THREE schoolgirls dressed as their favourite Harry Potter characters to raise money for a cancer charity.

Year Eight pupils Giulia Marrani, Ellie Bracey and Jessica Tarbet, who attend Colchester High School, chosen JK Rowling's popular books as the theme in homage to actor Alan Rickman, who played Professor Snape in the series of films and died after fighting cancer last year.

The event, which raised money for Cancer Research UK, took place on Monday, on what would have been Mr Rickman's birthday.

The girls are also hoping to raise money by holding a coffee morning after their Easter holidays.

David Young, school principal, said: "At Colchester High School it is our aim that our pupils will become engaged and responsible contributors to society and I am so proud of Guilia, Ellie and Jessica for taking on this initiative and wish them the best of luck in raising money for Cancer Research."