UNICEF is putting children first in the tsunami relief effort - and is urging Worcestershire's school pupils to help out their counterparts in Asia.

The charity is firstly battling to protect children from disease, but will remain in the flood-damaged areas to help rebuild classrooms for those affected by the disaster.

Unicef is now asking schools across Worcestershire to dig deep and raise as much money as possible by holding collections, sponsored activities or non-uniform days for the appeal.

"Nothing will signal hope more clearly than rebuilding and reopening schools," said Linda McCaughey Unicef's fund-raising manager for the Midlands.

"Our own schools can play a crucial part in helping to make that happen.

"Experience has shown that getting children back into school helps to create a sense of normality and enables children to express their grief and fears through drawing and writing and being with other children."

Among the aid being provided by Unicef are tents for temporary classrooms, "school in a box" kits - containing classroom materials and resources for 80 pupils and their teacher - and "recreation kits", including footballs, netballs, bibs, flags and whistles.

Just £97 will provide a school in a box kit and £127 will provide a recreation kit.

For information on how your school can help, e-mail helpdesk@unicef.org.uk

Unicef, which has teamed up with the Evening News for the appeal, is also offering shelter, water and medical supplies to the countries hardest hit by the Boxing Day tsunami.