Children joined the fight against malaria by dressing up as creepy crawlies for the day.

Pupils and staff at St John Fisher School in Melrose Road, Pinner, and Heathland School in Eastcote Lane, Harrow, raised money to buy mosquito nets for the Buburi Clinic in West Kenya.

The schools have worked closely with the clinic before as part of Unicef’s Rights Respecting Schools initiative.

Key Stage One leader Carolyn O’Brien said: “It’s nice for the pupils to gain an understanding of the world.

“Some children today are so cocooned in their own community, but if we can start this global awareness at an early age, in years to come we might have a world where everyone healthy and happy and working together.”

Pupils donned costumes, face paints and antenna before enjoying a day of bug-themed lessons.

Older pupils learnt about the effects of malaria, how it is spread and how it can be prevented.

Year 4 pupil Jemima said: “By raising money we are helping children get everything they need to be healthy. If they have mosquito nets they can grow up to have an education.”

Corinne, who is in Year 6, said: “The day made me feel that if I’m helping others I am also helping myself and learning to be a better person.”

The two schools hope donations and the sale of bug accessories such as pencils and stickers will raise £1,000 for the clinic.