Children at a school in Africa now have access to clean drinking water – after pupils from north Norfolk installed a new filtration system during an educational trip.

Eastern Daily Press: The children of Olpalagilagi Primary can now filter their own tank of spring waterThe children of Olpalagilagi Primary can now filter their own tank of spring water (Image: Submittedt)

Around 200 pupils, aged between five and 12, attend Olpalagilagi Primary School in Kenya's Maasai Mara district.

But until recently they had to survive on untreated water which can cause death and disease.

Clean water specialists Porvair Filtration Group, from Hampshire, provided the lifeline system at no cost and it was then installed by the pupils of Gresham's Senior School in Holt, which has chosen the school as its charity recipient amid an on-going cultural exchange.

The children of Olpalagilagi Primary can now filter their own tank of spring water, providing safe, clean refreshment.

Porvair's general manager, Mike Hughes, said: 'When we were first informed of the situation at Olpalagilagi School, where the sourcing of a clean water supply has been a major challenge, we were keen to lend a hand.

'We've seen such problems first-hand in Africa, where basic drinking water can be a matter of life and death, and desperately wanted to help. The installation we encountered was an elevated storage tank fed from a natural spring.

'The design challenges included no power to generate pressure, so therefore a larger filter area was installed to allow for a slower flow rate.

'We designed and donated the simplest system possible. The whole assembly also had to be broken down into small components so that the school children and staff could carry it in their hand luggage.

'I believe that the system is now providing a straightforward, easy-to-use, and effective solution that is significantly enhancing school life through its practical and durable design.'

Children help out in Tanzania - page 60.