HAMPSHIRE school children were visited by a giant red nose this week to kick off their Red Nose Day plans.

DJ Boogie, the Comic Relief mascot visited the pupils and staff of St James C.E school in Moorgreen Road.

Prior to his visit, DJ Boogie stopped of to see some Southampton landmarks - as it was his first time visiting the city.

He stopped off at the Bargate, Civic Centre Clock Tower and then came to down to the Daily Echo offices.

At the primary school, the children were encouraged to dance to the official Red Nose Day song, 'Put a Nose on it' and the best five dancers were awarded a read nose day t-shirt.

St James head teacher, Mrs Marsh said: "Fundraising for Red Nose Day is such a worthy cause and you know that the money raised is well spent in the UK and throughout Africa.

"This year the pupils will be decorating Red Nose Day biscuits as well as having 'a wacky hair day'.

“DJ Boogie’s visit has put us all in the Red Nose day spirit before our fundraising for Red Nose Day.

It’s a great way to bring everyone together, we have come up with a totally fun way to raise as much money as we can,” said the Mrs Marsh.

Last time around, the schoolchildren, staff and teachers of the South raised more than a staggering £550,000 which is hard at work helping vulnerable people in the local area, across the rest of the UK and Africa - St James school alone raised £730.

The Daily Echo have teamed up with Comic Relief this year to help raise money for Red Nose Day, which takes place on March 24.

"On the day we show videos of how the money raised helps less fortunate, as we saw today at the assembly with DJ Boogie," said the headteacher.

"The children begin to realise that having fun on Red Nose Day actually helps people in the world. It is important to show that raising money for people who need it the most can be done in a fun, easy way- like hosting a wacky hair day or decorating biscuits!

"It shows the children that it is easy to give and that it can be fun too."

Teachers can order a free School Fundraising Resource Pack bursting with fundraising ideas, learning resources, posters, balloons, stickers, as well as their Red Noses at rednoseday.com/schoolshop.

If you are hosting a fundraising event, we want to hear about it, email: hannah.carroll@dailyecho.co.uk