Children at a King’s Lynn junior school promote WWF campaign

Professional body painter Cat Finlayson was at Howard Junior School to promote an upcoming World Wildlife campaign. Pictured is Letysha Smith (8). Picture: Ian Burt (Image: Archant 2016)

Professional body artist Cat Finlayson visited a group of pupils at Howard Junior School to help them promote a WWF campaign to support endangered species.

The charity is asking schools, workplaces and homes to don fancy-dress costumes for their 'wear it wild' day.

Head teacher Gregory Hill, said: 'We always teach children about environmental issues. They are the next generation and they need to know at an early age about their environmental impact. As a school we are not all about exams, we are about teaching children life skills.'

Organisers at WWF hope to highlight endangered species through the annual campaign and raise money for conservation efforts.

Fruzsi Kozma, communications executive at WWF, said: 'We launched wear it wild last year and Howard Junior was right on board from day one. They are the most amazing school, they are so passionate and enthusiastic and they really want to save wildlife.

'The key message is since the 1970s wildlife populations have declined by more than 50pc. This is what triggered the whole wear it wild idea.'

As part of the wear it wild initiative, the public is being encouraged to paint a hand to look like an animal and tweet a picture with #give a hand to wildlife.

Evie Sindon, eight, said: 'I can't wait to have my hand painted, I am really excited. I love animals and it's amazing to work with this charity.'

Ms Finlayson, who lives in Bath and discovered her talent for body painting when she had to paint faces while working at Banham Zoo, said: 'The children are so into it and so enthusiastic.'

Wear it wild is on May 27, visit www.org.uk/wearitwild for more information.

Are you organising a fun event for wear it wild day? Email sophie.biddle@archant.co.uk