A council has aimed to clarify rulings after concerns children were told ‘to remove pro-Palestine symbols’ in Lancashire schools.

On Friday, as part of the BBC Children in Need Day, primary school pupils were encouraged to donate £1, wear Pudsey the bear costumes or dress in something yellow to help raise funds for the charity.

The annual event raises millions for good causes.

It was said messages were sent warning against wearing political slogans, but Lancashire County Council said the message was not from one of its schools, but did not comment on if there were rules around clothing.

However, some children are believed to have turned up to school with Palestine face paint and t-shirts.

Earlier, a social media campaign had urged parents to highlight the ongoing bombing of Gaza by encouraging children to wear ‘Children in Need for Palestine’ shirts.

WhatsApp messages shared widely on Friday, said children had been told to ‘remove pro-Palestine symbols’ in Lancashire.

Thousands of children have been killed since fighting between Israel and Hamas flared up once again on October 7.

The message believed to have been sent to some parents read: “This morning some children have come to school wearing ‘Free Palestine’ clothing etc.

"The Department for Education and Lancashire Education Authority Schools are very clear schools must not support any side in the conflict at all, and we also cannot be political so we cannot allow children to wear these items in school.

“We will find other jumpers etc if it affects your child but if you want them to wear anything for Children in Need you might want to pop in and bring something suitable.”

A school in Pendle was singled out in messages, but Lancashire County Council said the above message was not sent by that school. 

A spokesperson for Lancashire County Council said: "Lancashire County Council recognises the ongoing and complex situation surrounding the Israel-Hamas war and the massive human toll it's taken.

"We are continuing to support Lancashire schools to ensure that all students, regardless of their background and beliefs, feel welcome, safe and heard.

"We are also committed to creating safe and inclusive learning environments where students can engage in constructive dialogues while respecting the diverse views held by their peers."

Some parents had asked what difference there was between the humanitarian crises in Palestine and Ukraine and what fundraising rules there were around each cause, but the council did not comment on this.