Children at a Catholic primary school are planning a “fast appeal” during Lent to raise money for people 3,000 miles away.

Pupils and staff from St Winefride’s, Manor Park, will hold a range of activities for Catholic charity CAFOD to help people in war-torn Sierra Leone.

The West African country is still recovering from its civil war in 2002 with extreme poverty and 2.6 million people homeless.

The Dig Deep Lent Fast Day appeal will see pupils hold pyjama parties, raffles, bean-eating contests, sponsored silences, plus a cookery competition between teachers.

The appeal will conclude with a cheque being presented to the charity in a special assembly on May 2.

Headteacher Paul Underwood said: “Each of our classes is dedicating a day to CAFOD and getting sponsored to undertake a task of their choice. Some of the children have decided to hold pyjama parties and raffles. Others are seeing how many beans they can eat with cocktails sticks. Some of the children are being very ambitious.

“Other classes are holding a sponsored silence, which we really like!”

He added: “We fundraise for CAFOD every year alongside St Stephen’s Church. In the past we’ve raised up to £8,000.”

Joanna Jarvis, CAFOD’s manager for the Diocese of Brentwood, said: “Lent is a time when we stop and reflect on our lives and relationships.

“Access to food is such a basic human right, but all kinds of factors mean that one in eight people go hungry – whether because of climate, conflict, or lack of training on effective farming techniques. By digging deep, the pupils and teachers from St Winefride’s are making a difference. The money raised will help transform the lives of people living in poverty.

“CAFOD would like to thank them for all their support.”

For more information visit st-winefrides.newham.sch.uk.