KIND-hearted youngsters made maps of Haiti out of a sea of coins during an imaginative fundraising event for victims of the country's devastating earthquake.

Pupils at Forest Prep School in Snaresbrook covered two maps with hundreds of pennies and pounds which will now be used to help support those affected by the disaster.

Youngsters at the upper school also did their bit by handing over £2 each for the novelty of wearing casual clothes instead of uniform for the day - raising up to £2,000 in the process.

Forest School teacher George Paynter said: "The Prep School's rapid response to the disastrous earthquake and its devastating affects for the people of Haiti were overwhelming.

"All the Prep School pupils were invited to bring in lose change. The challenge was to cover very large maps of Haiti with coins.

"The maps were quickly submerged under a sea of coins. Hills and mountains began to appear and then the £1 coins were drawn together to indicate Port-au-Prince. Pupils and families were so generous and we eagerly await news of the total collected.

"Whatever that amount, it will help at least some of the survivors trying to re-establish their lives in Haiti.

"Our thoughts are with those who are suffering as a result of the earthquake – and, soon, our more practical expression of support will be with them, we are sure."