CALLS from Chester-le-Street schoolchildren for action to tackle Third World poverty have reached the highest level of Government.

Messages for rich countries to help developing nations in Africa, where children are unable to go to school because of grinding poverty, were produced by youngsters at Ouston Infant and South Pelaw Infant schools as part of campaigning around Live Eight and White Band Day.

North Durham Labour MP Kevan Jones visited the schools to see the work of the youngsters who had taken part in the Send My Friend to School challenge, that highlighted the lack of opportunity children in the poorest areas have for getting an education.

Mr Jones took their messages and handed them over to Prime Minister Tony Blair and Chancellor of the Exchequer Gordon Brown at a recent meeting.

Mr Jones said: "The children gave me a clear message that better-off countries like the UK must do all they can to help the developing world.

"They also made it clear that they wanted me to personally take that message to the Prime Minister and the Chancellor, and it was my pleasure to be able to do so on their behalf.''