The Co-operative Pharmacy has unveiled its latest initiative to help fund community projects in Africa, with the launch of a product designed by students from a Hertfordshire high school.

One Careplast plasters will be on sale in more than 1,700 Co-operative food and pharmacy stores, with money from sales going to Global Ethics.

Under the scheme, 15p from each £1.39 pack sold will go towards medical kits and bicycle ambulances in Malawi.

The launch follows a national competition that saw three female students from Bushey Meads School beat hundreds of entries to design a product that could be sold in the UK to help those most in need in Malawi, a spokesperson said.

They developed a children's plaster pack of animal-print plasters, which will be sold exclusively through the Co-operative stores.

Co-operative Pharmacy OTC commercial director Jennifer Tilley said: "The students certainly did their homework and showed real enterprise. From the animal designs on the plasters to the powerful messages on the packaging, it all linked back strongly to funding medication, staff and other health care in Malawi."