NORTHLEW and Ashbury Primary School has formed links with a school in Battersea as part of a education art project — Kids Care for the Countryside.

Following the news on television about foot and mouth disease, teachers and children at Sir James Barrie School in Battersea wanted to do something to help children in the countryside, so they have created a communication link through the exchange of pictures, letters and e-mail.

Radio Devon presenter Judy Spiers launched the project last week at Northlew and Ashbury School where pupils have drawn self portraits to send them off to their new friends. The launch was also attended by the mayor of Okehampton Christine Marsh and mayor of West Devon Christine Grills.

It is anticipated that the launch will lead to more than 100,000 primary schoolchildren exchanging their portrait posters between village and city schools.

Project director Alma Taft said: 'Having spoken to the headteachers in the worst affected areas of foot and mouth disease, they have all felt that a project such as this will help take the children's minds off the current farming crisis.

'It will also help to create new friendships between town and country children.'

Headteacher of Northlew and Ashbury Primary School Nicola Lampe said there were 40 different nationalities with the school at Battersea and it was interesting for the children to learn about an urban school.

l Pictured above: pupil Frederick Yelland with Okehampton mayor Christine Marsh and outgoing West Devon mayor Christine Grills, who are holding the 'Kids Care for the Countryside' badges.