BIG-HEARTED schoolchildren are raising funds to to help wildlife casualties in the Australian bush fires.

Pupils at Darnhall Primary School in Winsford are holding an Australia Day on Monday as a billion animals are feared to have perished in the devastation which has also claimed 28 lives and 3,000 homes.

Northwich Guardian:

BBC Newsround captured pupils planning a day of fundraising activities including drawing competitions, cake stalls, arts and crafts and a themed lunch

Youngsters are organising a Bushtucker staff trial, cake stalls, drawing competitions, T-shirt designing, arts and crafts and a themed lunch.

Northwich Guardian:

Debbie Pond, Matthew Dunning, Clare Eaton and Alan Mullholland were filmed taking part in a fancy dress Bushtucker trial to raise funds

BBC Newsround sent a film crew to record their charitable efforts.

Northwich Guardian:

BBC Newsround captured the fundraising efforts of Darnhall School pupils as they prepare to stage an Australia Day

Year 6 teacher Hayden Baxendale said: "Newsround presenter Hayley Hassall and a cameraman came into school and discussed the atrocities happening in Australia and the devastating effects upon the wildlife.

Northwich Guardian:

Year 6 teacher Hayden Baxendale is interviewed by BBC Newsround presenter Hayley Hassall

"I am extremely proud of all the children involved and their living and caring nature to come together to support the cause.

"They all talked so confidently and passionately about the ideas to raise money and the reasons behind it all."

Pupils will pay 10 pence per vote to nominate staff to take part in a crazy dress up Bushtucker trial which will involve obstacles and messy challenges.

Northwich Guardian:

Teachers will be challenged to take part in a fancy dress Bushtucker trial which will involve obstacles and messy challenges

The school runs a geography passport, a part of its diverse curriculum written by staff and pupils.

READ > Family firm secures prestigious contract

One aim is to broaden their knowledge of the world.

Headteacher Sarah Tomlinson said: "The day year six is planning will draw in lots of enterprise, money skills, geographical learning, creative and physical fun and hopefully raise lots of money to send to wildlife sanctuaries in Australia."