WIRRAL South MP Alison McGovern joined TV presenter Claudia Winkleman this week to highlight the importance of education for girls worldwide.

Through the "Send My Sister to School" campaign, she wants world leaders to recognise that there are still 67 million children missing out on basic, primary education, despite a promise in 2000 that every child would get quality learning.

Ms McGovern is particularly concerned about girls lagging behind boys in access to education, with more than a quarter of girls in sub-Saharan Africa not even attending primary school.

Around the country, thousands of schools are getting involved with the scheme to push for more action to address the crisis.

In her role as Ambassador for Comic Relief, television host Claudia has visited the factories of Bangladesh where girls work long days in dangerous conditions and denied education.

Claudia said: “Every extra year that a girl stays in school has a great impact on her future; it helps her get work, earn more, keeps her safe from HIV/AIDS and reduces the risk that her child will die in infancy.

"I’m supporting Send My Sister to School, to try and get every girl in the world – as well as every boy – a chance to have a good education and a better future.”

Alison added: “The case for investing in girls’ education is both urgent and compelling. But despite this, the international community has failed to step up to the task.

"Education is the key to protecting girls from abuse, improving their health, enhancing their skills, boosting their earning power, helping them to participate in society and will result in whole communities being lifted out of poverty."

If you know a school that would like to get involved free packs and more information can be found at the link below.