BOURNEMOUTH schoolgirls have pleaded with Prime Minster David Cameron to help children around the world go to school.

Avonbourne College students are backing the international Send All My Friends To School campaign, urging world leaders to ensure every child is educated.

The pupils have spent the summer learning about the issues faced by children with disabilities in poorer countries. An estimated 24 million disabled children are currently missing out on school.

They made a paper “buddy chain” emblazoned with mess-ages and enlisted the help of Bournemouth East MP Tobias Ellwood who handed it in at 10 Downing Street.

Mr Cameron replied to the girls, saying: “I am very impressed by the concern you have shown for the education of children in poor countries.

“Your colourful drawings demonstrate this as well as your enthusiasm for the campaign. I agree with you that no child should miss out on an education, including those with disabilities.”

Send All My Friends To School is run by the UK coalition of the Global Campaign for Education, which is working to ensure quality education for all children.

Executive headteacher of Avonbourne College, Debbie Godfrey-Phaure, said: “As an international college, being part of a global community is at the heart of everything we teach. The girls took this campaign to their hearts. They were really moved to take action when they learned how so many children across the world are not benefitting from the education so many of us take for granted here.

“I am very proud their work was taken on by our local MP and produced a personal response from the Prime Minister.”