YOUNGSTERS at Devizes School put on their wellies to help people in Africa have a better chance of earning money.

The children in the youngest year at the school were inspired to help Farm Africa after learning about its work as part of geography lessons.

They raised a total of £1,283.55 by walking a mile in their wellies in a sponsored walk called Give Hunger The Boot.

Deputy head of global studies faculty Gill Wareham said: "As part of our first geography module, we looked at Africa and our Year 7 students found out that a lot of people grow food there and sell the surplus.

"Unfortunately this doesn’t make a lot of money and as a result parents can’t send their children to school and often their children go to bed hungry.

"Many students took their learning one step further and participated in a sponsored welly walk and raised a whopping amount.

"The geography team are delighted with the student’s enthusiasm and commitments to make the world a better place."

Farm Africa works alongside farmers in Ethiopia, Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda to give them the knowledge and equipment to grow more crops and make more money."

She said that particular congratulations should go to Tom Jurkiewica-Wells, Vicky West, Lily-May O’Shea and Callum Harris who raised over £60.00 each.

Farm Africa focuses on transforming agriculture. A spokesman, who thanked the school for its efforts, said: "We help farmers to increase their harvests, protect the environment and sell their produce in thriving markets.

"By providing support, training ineffective farming methods and links to markets, we help to build more profitable farming businesses so that whole communities can lift themselves out of poverty."

The charity is urging other schools to take on welly walks this autumn and can provide them with fundraising packs. A spokesman said: "This autumn, schools across the UK are pulling on their wellies and organising sponsored welly walks. Other schools can join them by requesting a Great African Welly Walk pack today.

"They will receive a fundraising pack, and downloadable teaching resources linked to the national curriculum to help pupils explore and learn about Africa.

"Together we're aiming to walk 16,000 miles - all the way around Africa.

For more information go to http://www.farmafrica.org/great-african-welly-walk/schools-landing-page