PRIMARY school students in Tilehurst hosted a cake sale this week (July 22) to raise money and awareness for a UNICEF campaign.

Pupils in years three and four from Long Lane Primary School baked and sold cupcakes to support and raise money for UNICEF’s campaign to reduce toxic air in the UK.

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UNICEF revealed that across 86% of the UK children are breathing in toxic air which can harm their lungs, damage the development of their brains and stunt their growth.

Their campaign hopes to raise awareness of this and call on the government for change.

Students at the primary school spoke to parents about what they could do to reduce air pollution and visitors were encouraged to sign a pledge #cleanairday.

Songs were also sung highlighting the dangers of air pollution.

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Miss Penn, Deputy Head at Long Lane: "It's important for children to grow up with an awareness of their environment and their impact upon it, especially in a world which is increasingly virtual."

The cake sale formed part of the school’s environmental expo day, launching the school’s first steps into achieving an Eco-School award.

The Eco-Schools Green Flag is an internationally recognised award for excellence in environmental action and learning.

The school is hoping to work their way up to Green Flag level by achieving Bronze and Silver awards which are self-accredited stepping stones.

As part of the day, Reception children learned about the underwater environment, making bread turtles and mini fish in jelly.

Years One and Two learnt about littering, recycling and the importance of plants making their own paper and growing and selling plants.

Money raised will be used by the newly appointed Eco-Committee comprising of children from each year group.

A Year Two student said: “We had a plastic-free picnic and I had to tell my mum about not using cling film. It was fun showing parents what we had been learning.”

A Year Three student explained that they were “trying to save the earth” by stopping people littering and encouraging them to use their cars less often.

Years Five and Six treated parents to Slam Poetry based on environmental issues they felt passionate about.