YATE pupils will learn about hygiene during a hands-on lesson involving the decoration of a giant toilet in their playground.

Children from Tyndale Primary School will discover a giant toilet on site on Thursday, January 15 for a session led by the international charity WaterAid to raise awareness of hygiene education.

The session, which will begin at 2pm, will educate the pupils about how washing your hands with soap can save lives and is one of the most cost-effective ways to prevent the spread of disease.

Steve Webb, MP for Thornbury and Yate is also expected to attend the awareness event.

Year one pupils from the school, on Tyndale Avenue, will stamp colourful handprints all over the large toilet alongside handprints from children at other schools across the country, to demonstrate how easily germs are spread and highlight the importance of good hygiene practices.

Chris Wainwright from WaterAid said: “Our giant toilet is a fun way of showing that things as basic as soap and water are superheroes, saving children’s lives every day. For example, diarrhoea has killed 10 million children since the millennium, but the simple act of hand washing with soap can reduce the risk of diarrhoea by a third.

“We hope the children will have fun, understand the power of washing their hands and know how important it is that children all around the world have access to safe, clean water to stay healthy.”

WaterAid works with the poorest and most marginalised communities in 26 countries around the developing world to set up practical and sustainable water, sanitation and hygiene projects.

As well as providing toilets and taps, WaterAid always promotes good hygiene behaviour to make sure that the health benefits of safe water and sanitation are maximised.

To find out more or to make a donation visit www.wateraid.org.