HUNDREDS of children dressed in brightly coloured costumes marched through Highams Park demanding people do more to care for the environment.

The pupils from Selwyn Primary School were taking part in the primary's third carnival and to save money the school decided on asking the youngsters to wear costumes made from recycled materials.

Brightly coloured banners proclaimed eco friendly messages such as 'One Planet Don't Trash It' and 'Solar Panel' to urge the public to be more environmentally friendly.

Deputy Head Teacher Carolyn Pounds said: "We wanted to get an environmental message across to our pupils. This year we used Selwyn's art materials to design the costumes and they are made out of recyled materials."

The school holds carnivals on alternate years and this is the third festival Selwyn has arranged.

Around 600 pupils took part in the parade.

Year 6 pupil Nouara Adamou, 11, who was dressed in green, said: "Recycling is really important. We need to take action to save the world."

Gracia Mamona, also 11 and in year 6, added: "I've been bugging my parents to recycle more. We have to do something to make the earth a better place."

The carnival which happend at 11.30am on Friday, July 3, runs from the school through Larkshall Road, down Hale End Road and back to the school in Cavendish Road.