Gloucester pupils who helped to alleviate child hunger have inspired their peers around the country to do the same.

Fifty-four county schools pioneered a scheme based on supermarkets’ Bogof promotions - buy one, get one free. But instead of getting something, pupils gave 11p to fund a nutritious meal for an impoverished child in the developing world every time they bought a school dinner. They also organised fund-raising events, including raffles, car-washing and school theme days.

The scheme, which ran in 2007, raised #163;5,144.26, enough to buy 46,766 meals. The money, donated through the UN’s world food programme (WFP), also contributed to the recipients’ education.

Now schools across the country have taken up the idea. Renamed the Really Good School Dinner, this version of the scheme will see pupils pledge 10p to the WFP every time they have a school meal.

The campaign has drawn support from celebrities, including pop groups JLS and The Saturdays.

Jackie Hall, Gloucestershire County Council cabinet member for schools, said: “If pupils at other schools get behind this campaign as our pupils did, I am sure it will be a resounding success.” AB.