Hundreds of children from St Winefride’s Catholic Primary school raised more than £3,000 to help people without clean water.

Newham Recorder: Balloon race at St Winefrides Catholic Primary SchoolBalloon race at St Winefrides Catholic Primary School (Image: Archant)

The Manor Park school joined forces with St Stephen’s Church to raise thousands for Catholic charity CAFOD, with each class taking part in their own sponspored events, whether it was pyjama parties, spelling quizzes, non-uniform days or a balloon race.

With the balloon race attracting more than 300 people to write their own messages before letting them race into the sky.

Paul Underwood, headteacher, said: “We have already had over fifty replies from people in East and West Sussex who have found and returned the balloon tags.

“We are hoping that some of the balloons will make it across to France or possibly even further.”

The schools efforts will help provide clean and safe water across the world as part of this year’s CAFOD Lent fundraising campaign.

“It really is great seeing all the students come together to learn and support people who don’t have access to clean water all over the world.”