A pair of pint-sized campaigners have been tackling the use of palm oil in their school canteen, in a bid to save the world’s rainforests.

Mae Copley and Kiki Enticknap both 10, wrote to their head teacher after discovering the controversial ingredient in tubs of ice cream.

The friends, from Horton Kirby Church of England Primary School, then had their letters forwarded to its catering company, Total Catering Solutions (SE) Ltd.

The business, based in Springhead Road, Northfleet, has since decided to phase out products that contain palm oil on its menus, praising the girls for their comments.

Palm oil is bad for the environment because it contributes to the deforestation of the rainforest.

To produce the ingredient, fruit is collected from the trees, which are cut down when they grow too high to reach the fruit easily.

To keep up with demand, acres of rainforest are being destroyed.

Both Kiki and Mae have stopped eating a popular chocolate spread as a result of their beliefs - a difficult decision for any 10-year-old to make.

In her letter, Kiki, from South Darenth, wrote: “Palm oil plantations have been connected to the destruction of habitats of endangered animals, including orangutans, tigers, elephants and rhinos.

“Orangutans are my favourite animal. At the moment, 3,000 orangutans die every year because of deforestation.”

Mae, who lives in Hawley, added that she feels “very strongly” about the subject.

In its response, Total Catering Solutions (SE) Ltd said: “This issue is close to our hearts.

“We have already removed products that contain non-sustainable palm oil, only allowing some that came from sustainable sources.

“However, having received your letter we have had an even closer look at the situation, and there is some doubt that the sustainable sources are really what they seem.

“Please continue to spread the word, and hopefully together we can make a difference.”

Deputy headteacher Mr Peter Sexton, has said he is “very proud” of the girls, and their “great letter writing”.

Pupils are taught about environmental issues at the school in Horton Road, and teachers will be keeping tabs on any developments in the canteen.