Pupils clock up 1,300 miles running around the playground in Northampton charity fundraiser

The pupils of Pitsford Primary School are celebrating after their efforts to run a mile every day raised over £1,000 for Northampton mental health charity MIND.

They took the challenge on as part of the charity's Run Every Day (R.E.D) January fundraising project and turned up early to school in all weathers to run or walk a mile around the playground each.

By also running on the weekends, together they clocked up 1,373 miles for charity.

Teacher Gemma Harte said: "With childhood obesity on the rise, getting active is imperative and running is a quick and simple way to boost the amount of exercise children undertake each day.

"We have seen huge improvements both in the fitness levels and concentration of those who have taken part in our R.E.D initiative while raising money for a really worthwhile cause."

To mark the final day of the campaign the children enjoyed a well-earned bacon sandwich and hot chocolate to celebrate their achievement.

As part of the R.E.D January campaign, children were invited to get active for a minimum of 15 minutes every day, with results including improved fitness, behaviour and concentration.

Miss Harte said: “Our runners have well and truly seen off any hint of the January blues, starting the year energised and ready to learn, and getting active will continue to be at the heart of our learning going forward.”