Exmouth Community College was a phone-free zone on Thursday – at least as far as the pupils are concerned.

They all agreed to spend 24 hours without their mobiles to raise money Young Lives vs Cancer, the UK's leading cancer charity for children and young people and their families.

The 24 hours represents the first day after a young person is diagnosed with cancer, which is particularly terrifying for them. Young Lives vs Cancer helps support patients and their families right from the start.

PE teacher Rachel Wright said: "I'm really proud that the school is taking on this challenge and joining 'Team Young Lives', it feels great to be raising money and awareness to help this amazing charity. I've seen first-hand the difference the charity makes to the lives of children and young people with cancer.

"Cancer turns families' lives upside down; it's so important that Young Lives vs Cancer are there from the point of diagnosis to provide all the support that they need, so we want to raise as much as possible. I'm really looking forward to the challenge and hope everyone gets behind it."

Helping families with the costs of cancer

Last year in Devon, Young Lives vs Cancer helped 170 families to find the strength to face a child or young person's cancer diagnosis and treatment. They gave out 104 financial grants to the value of £24,101 to help families cope with the costs of cancer. The charity's Cancer Costs report found that families with a child on active treatment spend an extra £600 a month.

'A great experience' for the pupils

Steph Parker, fundraising engagement manager at Young Lives vs Cancer, said: "By completing a Tech Timeout participants will not only help young cancer patients when they need it most, but it will also be a great experience for them too.

"By dropping their device for a day, they have a chance to connect with what's going on around them.

"They may discover a new hobby, hear a new story or feel less anxious, and we're so grateful for the support from the school.

"Thanks to Exmouth Community College we will be able to help even more children and young people find the strength to face everything cancer throws at them."

To support Exmouth Community College's fundraising effort, visit their JustGiving page.

For more information about Young Lives vs Cancer's work, go to www.younglivesvscancer.org.uk.