Students at CedarBridge Academy wore their hearts on their sleeves yesterday when they organised a red, white and blue day in aid of the victims of the US terrorist attacks.

Hundreds of pupils and teachers dressed in the colours of the flag - 'Old Glory' - to show their concern for the 6,000 people feared lost in the tragedies and their families.

Each pupil paid $2 for the privilege of dressing in the colours and principal Kalmar Richards said last night that she hoped well in excess of $1,000 had been raised in aid of the American Red Cross.

She said: "The idea for the red, white and blue day actually came from the student government. They wanted to do something to show their support and solidarity for the victims and their families. They have also led a number of moments of silence throughout this week.

"We have really been saddened by it all and I think the children felt they needed to do something."

Mrs. Richards said the students also hoped other companies and schools on the Island would follow suit.

She added: "They also wanted to send a challenge out to other organisations to do something to raise funds and take part in activities to express their love and support. They hope this spurs people on."

Mrs. Richards said each of the 93 student advisory groups, as well as teachers, in the school had also been challenged by herself to demonstrate their sympathy and condolences by writing poems, prayers or making cards. They are all to be placed in a scrap book and handed to the US Consul in Bermuda.

She added: "It has been a great day. Not everyone dressed in the colours, but we always find that even those that don't take part want to give. I haven't had a chance to find out how much they have raised yet, but we are expecting it to be definitely over $1,000."

Expression of support: CedarBridge Academy Students (from left) Josue Paulos, Mark Marsh, Michelle Brockington, Antonia Mills and Tekle Walker wear the colours of the American flag yesterday at a red, white and blue day in aid of victims of the US terrorist attacks.