CHILDREN from a Worcester school will join hands to form a human chain as they send a hard-hitting message to European leaders.

The 65 pupils from Thornton House School will form a human chain in the playground as part of the "send my friend to school" campaign.

The aim is to raise awareness of other children around the world who are not lucky enough to be able to go to school.

The pupils will gather in the school grounds in Wyld's Lane, off London Road, Worcester, at 2.30pm on Friday, May 4, to form the chain.

Year six teacher Tamsin Bayliss said: "It's all about putting pressure on world leaders about all those children who don't get to go to school. It's to raise awareness of the situation and is connected with Comic Relief. We do lots of activities for Red Nose Day. The children know there are many children who aren't as lucky as them and don't have all the things they have. This is a hands-on thing for them to feel they're doing something to help. Our children have learning difficulties, so it's a good way for them to access the campaign."

An estimated 80 million children go without proper schooling worldwide and during last week's Global Action Week millions of children and adults around the world highlighted the importance of education.

Pupils from the school, along with others in the UK, will be making and sending paper chains to German Chancellor Angela Merkel, president of the European Council. They will also be making an online chain during May and June.

The deadline for sending the paper chains is Wednesday, June 6, the date of the G8 meeting in Germany.