Youngsters at the Kelly Street Children’s Centre came up with the idea of creating pictures and handprints to sell to their parents and relatives to raise money for the relief appeal.

It’s hoped that around £200 will be collected to help earthquake victims.

The Inverclyde Council-run centre has 160 children aged from three to five, and 20 staff.

Acting head of centre, Patricia Wylie, said the children had been very concerned about how youngsters in Nepal had been affected by the disaster.

Patricia said: “We have a pupil council, and they decided they would create artwork to sell for relief funds.” Four-year-old Scarlett Farrell, the centre’s pupil council representative, signed a letter to parents which said: ‘Dear Mummies and Daddies. We are hoping to make some pictures and things to sell for £1. This is to raise money for people who don’t have any because of the earthquake in Nepal.

‘We are hoping you will buy our things so that we can help boys and girls in Nepal get things like food and tents.

‘Our pictures will be up on the wall in the hall for you to buy. Some of my friends will be the shopkeepers to take your money.

‘Please help us help other people.’ At the bottom of the letter, Scarlett added some drawings of a friend, a tent and some food.

Four-year-old Kaitlynn McMath also made a special contribution.

She was given a pencil by the centre for her recent birthday, but said she wanted it to be sold for the appeal.

Kaitlynn said: “The earthquake children don’t have any toys. We want to help them.”