The bug busters have landed in Pakefield to help show children the importance of cleanliness in the classroom and in their homes.

Pupils at Pakefield Primary School have learned how to avoid infections and stay healthy thanks to a fun and informative visit by East Coast Community Healthcare (ECCH).

ECCH sent in a bug buster team made up its infection prevention and control team to teach year three pupils the importance of good hygiene and the dangers posed by bugs and germs.

Pupils studied dental health and teeth cleaning and how and when to wash their hands and talked about good and bad hygiene practices.

As part of the fun sessions children checked the hands for bacteria in a scanner and used special toothpaste to see what can be found lurking in mouths.

The children were also told about bugs through fun characters such as Sally Strep for streptococcus, Simon Staph for staphylococcus and Peter Penicillium.

They also took part in a competition to design their own bug.

Michael Fleckney, year three teacher, said: 'There were six activities for the children to do and they showed them how easy it is for bugs and germs to be passed around.

'For example it was important to see the importance of washing their hands to get rid of germs.'

The ECCH infection prevention and control team is responsible for infection prevention and control in all care and nursing homes, GP surgeries and NHS dental surgeries in Waveney,

Teresa Lewis, ECCH's assistant director of infection prevention and control, said: 'It's very important that we reach young children and tell them how simple things like washing their hands after playing outside and before eating can help them avoid being poorly.

'The aim of the morning was to make it as much fun as possible but with a serious message because, if we can help children understand about bugs and bacteria when they're young, they will get into the habit of employing good hygiene practices early and it will stay with them throughout their lives.'

The children's bug designs will be judged and a prize awarded during National Infection Control Week, which runs from October 20 and aims to raise people's awareness of the simple things they can do to avoid catching and spreading illnesses like norovirus and flu.