Three Radcliffe youngsters are raising money and awareness as Anti Bullying Week gets underway.

Thea Appleton,10, Ava Appleton, five, and Sophia Bridge, also five, have raised more than £200 for "Odd Sock Day", which takes place on the first day of Anti-Bullying Week, which falls today, Monday.

Odd Socks Day was created by Andy and The Odd Socks, a children’s band made up of stars from CBBC's hit TV show "Andy and the Band", in partnership with the ABA for Anti Bullying Week.

The Bolton News: Sophia Bridge, Ava Appleton, and  Thea Appleton

Thea has followed The Odd Socks for many years and taken part the filming of their latest series of Andy and The Band/Andy and The Odd Socks which will be aired on the BBC.

She said: “When I found out Andy and his band were starting Odd Socks Day I knew I wanted to help out, so that’s just what me and my little sister Ava and her best friend Sophia did.

“We hope our donations can go towards helping other children who need support.

The Bolton News: Thea Appleton and Andy Day from the OddSocks band

“My teacher, Mrs Gotthard, at school has always taught us to be kind to others, and that being positive can impact the lives of others, it is just kind to be kind.”

During Odd Socks Day, children are encouraged where odd socks to school in celebration of their individuality.

Funds raised by Thea, Ava and Sophia will go to the National Children's Bureau (NCB) which formed the Anti Bullying Alliance (ABA).

The Bolton News: Ava Appleton

The ABA works tirelessly to unite against bullying to create environments where children feel safe to be themselves without fear of bullying be it online or face to face.

@appletonsadventures #antibullyingalliance #antibullyingweek #oddsocksday2023 #oddsocks #oddsocksday #tiktok #fyp #positivequotes #positivevibes #positiveenergy #positivevibesonly @Anti-Bullying Alliance @AndyOddSocks @Stewart @Marcelo Cervone ♬ Feel This Moment (feat. Christina Aguilera) (Riddler & Reid Stefan Club Mix) - Pitbull

As well as starting a fundraiser, Thea, Ava and Sophia have put together a video on TikTok which has got over hundreds of views to promote Anti Bullying Week.

The Bolton News: Thea Appleton

The girl’s parents, Lindsey Appleton and Kelly Bridge, said:  “We are so proud of the girls and hope that this fundraiser can go towards making a difference to other children’s lives.

“This is such an important cause for us, no child should have to suffer in silence and put up with bullies, more needs to be done in schools and colleges to stop this from happening."

For information on how to donate to the trio's fundraiser click here.