WELLINGTONS and boots were the order of the day when school children went for a long walk in the forest.

A total of 25 pupils from Leytonstone School, gave up part of their weekend to trek through Epping Forest on Saturday, proving that acorns really do become oak trees by raising lots of money for Whipps Cross Hospital's Acorn Appeal.

The youngsters, all aged between 12 and 14, set off from the school in Colworth Road at 10am accompanied by a forest ranger and a number of parents and teachers.

After trekking through mud and bushes, and discovering fascinating facts about trees and wildlife, the intrepid group stopped for a while to enjoy a picnic lunch.

Four hours, and almost seven miles later, the happy band of walkers left the forest and headed back to school.

Assistant headteacher Linda Townsend organised the sponsored walk, which raised almost £500. All money raised will go towards the Acorn Appeal, which aims to raise £100,000 for home comforts on the new children's unit.