Brave Nikki Rollason has celebrated her mother's life by organising a fun-filled variety show.

Nikki, a pupil at Chelmsford County High School For Girls, persuaded her fellow Year 12 students to take to the stage last night to raise money for the Helen Rollason Cancer Care Centre Appeal.

BBC Sports presenter Helen died last year after a long battle against cancer.

Sixteen-year-old Nikki was joined by four friends to organise the show which included dance, drama and music from the past 1,000 years.

She choreographed dance numbers and co-directed the production but had to step down from a planned acting role after she caught flu. Nikki joined the audience to watch the show, sitting next to her father.

The girls put on an afternoon matinee performance for primary school pupils, then packed the school hall in the evening for the main event.

John Vaughan, head of drama, said: "The show excelled all expectations. It was a very light-hearted affair but it was very polished. There was a capacity audience and everybody had a lot of fun."

Helen launched the appeal before her death and her friends and family have vowed to continue her hard work.

A raffle was also held last night, with prizes donated by local businesses, and that raised £500 alone. The final total is still being counted.

"It was all in aid of the Helen Rollason Appeal which is very close to our hearts."

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