A national fundraising campaign focusing on service children will be launching next Friday September 21, at Montgomery Infant School, Colchester

Schoolchildren have been invited to dress up in red, white and blue to raise money ABF The Soldiers’ Charity, the RAF Benevolent Fund, and the Royal Navy and Royal Marines Charity. All three organisations help not just those in the forces, but their children and families too.

The campaign, called Red, White and Blue Day, is on October 12, and there is still time to sign up for the event through the websitewww.redwhiteblueday.co.uk

The Montgomery Infant School has 235 pupils, 90 of which are service children. It is expected that an Army helicopter will land at the school, and soldiers will hand out Red, White and Blue day goodie-bags and meet the children.

Head teacher Sally Leung, said: “We have close links to the forces as so many of our children are from service families. We are delighted to have been chosen to launch this fantastic fundraiser and the pupils are all very excited about the plan to land a helicopter full of soldiers on their playing field.

“We would like to encourage other schools to sign up too – it will be a great fun day on 12 October, as well as helping so many people in the services, and of course their children too.”

Those who sign up will be able to take part in other projects around the day, including a poetry competition and having a visit from a serving soldier, sailor or airman.

Patty Wallis, project organiser for Red, White and Blue Day said: “We know that for many thousands of forces children, life can be filled with uncertainty. They move around regularly, as well as having to cope with being separated from one – or sometimes both – parents, for extended periods. This special day is for all children to think about our Armed Forces families, especially the children.”

Dressing up for the day will cost just £1 each, but other fundraising activities held by individual schools are encouraged.

Schools can sign up via the Red, White and Blue Day websitehttp://www.redwhiteblueday.co.uk where there will be fundraising tips, information on which schools have signed up, and stories from service children.