Children at King Alfred School held a day of fundraising to help millions left starving and homeless by Typhoon Haiyan in the Philippines.

The charity effort was inspired by reports of the disaster as well as news that a school where a former King Alfred teacher now works in the Philippines was destroyed by the typhoon.

A busy day raising money on Friday began with breakfast in the main hall organised by sixth formers, volunteers from the middle and upper school, and King Alfred’s community co-ordinator Jeanette Sylvester.

Lower school pupils donated money to attend school dressed in colourful costumes or their pyjamas, and during breaks students took part in coin trails, face painting, cream pie throwing, toy and book sales, and sponsored silences.

David Weale, head of lower school, said “It was a very special and memorable day in aid of a great cause and we thank both children and parents wholeheartedly for their support.”

The school, in North End Road, Golders Green, raised more than £2,800 which will be donated to the Philippines Typhoon Appeal.