School pupils united for a “deeply moving” day calling for world peace on Wednesday (September 21).

The children at West Hatch High School in Chigwell took part in the International Day of Peace, initially established by the United Nations General Assembly in 1981.

Assemblies were given on issues such as the suffering caused by war, and pupils wrote messages on a ‘Tree of Peace’ in the school’s entrance hall to the victims of conflict.

Organiser and school counsellor Sarah O’Donnell said: “Peace every day is the goal but focussing on a particular day is helpful for us all: peacefulness is important in our own lives, in our families, at work, in school and in our wider social lives.”

Head teacher Frances Howarth said: “The reality of war and its tragic impact on human life was made very real to our students, leaving many of them deeply moved.”

She added: “We are pleased to have been part of this day where our efforts join with children worldwide in trying to make a difference.”

Year nine pupil Arjun Kuhaendran helped to organise the event and a cookie sale, which helped raise £143.97 for the War Child charity.