CHILDREN from a range of Chester schools have worked together to make a difference to youngsters less fortunate than themselves.

Despite the challenges of the pandemic, pupils from across the Upton schools’ partnership were able to raise hundreds of pounds for the good cause.

The Upton schools’ pupil forum, led by Hoole CE Primary, has raised over £800 this term for the charity Toilet Twinning, which seeks to provide toilets and sanitation to some of the poorest communities around the globe.

Pupil representatives from Year 5 in local primary schools and from Year 7 at Upton High have been meeting online, led by Clare Watling, deputy head at Hoole CE and together planned and led a range of education sessions teaching their peers about the need for clean water in different parts of the world.

In addition, they organised fundraising activities in their schools. These activities included crazy socks days, wearing ‘blue for the loo’ and different dress up days where children dressed in the colours of a country the project works in.

It is hoped that these funds will be used to provide toilet blocks for three schools in countries where Toilet Twinning has projects.

Clare Watling said: “One of the main aims in creating the pupil forum was to empower children as change-makers in their community and their world.

"To see their pride as they realised the difference they are making was really special.

"We are so proud of how the children have worked together to achieve such a tremendous goal and make a difference for children in another part of the world.”