Tots in Hitchin lined up on the grid with racing world champ Lewis Hamilton on Friday to get a head start on a fundraising push.

The Comet: Children at York Road Nursery celebrate National Woolly Hat DayChildren at York Road Nursery celebrate National Woolly Hat Day (Image: Archant)

More than 100 pupils at York Road nursery school joined staff to support National Woolly Hat Day – now in its sixth year – in aid of homeless and housing charity St Mungo’s.

Lewis contributed a signed baseball cap to the cause, which fetched £455 at an online auction, while contributions from the pupils added another £86 to the total.

Headteacher Diane Frainer said: “It was a really successful fun day. There were all sorts of colourful hats – green monsters, hobbits and many homemade knitted ones.

“It is the first time we have participated in the event and it definitely won’t be the last.

The Comet: Children at York Road Nursery celebrate National Woolly Hat DayChildren at York Road Nursery celebrate National Woolly Hat Day (Image: Archant)

“It’s a great example of children, staff and parental engagement – working together to raise awareness.”

St Mungo’s, which previously operated the North Herts Sanctuary in Nightingale Road now run by Stevenage Haven, provides a bed and support every night to more than 2,500 people who are either homeless or at risk in London and the south.