YOUNGSTERS have helped to raise money for children’s operations in India.

The school pupils from Tubbenden Primary School in Sandy Bury, Orpington, have decorated 389 t-shirts which will be used as gowns for children who need cleft operations.

It is all part of the Blue Peter Appeal, Send A Smile, which is helping to support Operation Smile.

The charity has provided free facial reconstructive surgery to more than 135,000 children since 1982.

The gowns, which were decorated by fabric paint, were made so the money which would have been spent buying them can be used to fund more operations instead, which cost £150 each time.

Teacher Emma Hodson said: “Children were able to discover a new and interesting culture, learn about the issues people face in developing countries and had the opportunity to use their creative skills to make a positive and tangible difference in children's lives.”