IT IS a date teachers around Hampshire look forward to all year. For one glorious day the school canteens and corridors are filled with a glorious silence as pupils keep quiet in the name of charity.

However, that is only at the schools which have signed up to Macmillan Cancer Support's 11th annual Big Hush today. Schools and youth groups across the country were joining in the big silence to raise money for the cancer charity. Last year's event raised £6,876 in Hampshire.

Pupils must remain silent for at least 20 minutes of the day or up to a whole day depending on how long they have been sponsored for.

Money raised during the Big Hush will go directly to Macmillan who provide practical, medical, financial and emotional support making a difference to the lives of people with cancer.

Taking part are: Upham Primary School, Woodlands Community School, Manor Infant School, all Southampton; Kings Worthy Primary School, Kings' School, The Pilgrims' School, all Winchester, Crestwood Community School, Eastleigh, Priestlands School, Lymington, and Wildern School, Hedge End