A PADDLE in Wellington boots had a serious message for youngsters at Dunster First School when they helped to raise more than £150 for UNICEF on a special welly walk.

Children, staff, parents, carers and governors all took part in last Friday's walk from the school, up Grabbist Hill and back along Conduit Lane.

The lane has a stream of water running down it from an overflow from a well at the top of the track and the walk gave children an idea of what it would be like to walk along a flooded path.

The aim was to illustrate the problems facing youngsters living in the South American country of Guyana, who have to battle severe droughts and floods due to the effects of climate change.

All the money raised on the walk was donated to UNICEF's Day for Change fundraising event, which challenged people across the country to raise money to help Guyana cope with its extreme climate.

Earlier in the week, pupils attended a special assembly to find out more about the challenges of living in a country ravaged by weather extremes.

Headteacher Peter Hoyland said: "During the week the children gained a real insight into what life is like in Guyana and how the money that they raised by taking part in the walk can help improve children's lives."

Photo: Steve Guscott.