HUNDREDS of children joined a charity fun run in Royal Wootton Bassett, raising money for a running path around their school.

A total of 240 pupils took part in the event at Noremarsh Junior School, and it had a community feel as parents came to watch, a local running club provided assistance and nearby businesses provided sponsorship.

Headteacher Andy Simpson said: “It has been going on for years. It is a fantastic event; all the children and parents love it.

“It is not about winning, it is about the taking part, it is about everyone doing what they can.

“This is always done at this time of year, and they have been extremely excited all day.”

Among those taking part was nine-year-old Ollie, who has won his class’s heat for the last two years.

He said: “It is a really good way to raise money for our school.

“For some people it is for fun, and for some it is competitive.”

Year 5 pupil Holly, also nine, waited to start her race while younger years were high-fiving their way down the home straight. She said: “We’ve been cheering out the window.”

Watching on as children completed their warm-ups, accompanied by the PA system and the encouragement of school staff, PTA member and race co-ordinator Vicky Whitfield said: “It is fantastic.

“It is always well supported and it is one of the main events of the school year.

“It is a big fundraiser for the school as well. It is quite competitive, and there has been some training going on.”

The whole community came together to help stage the race, with runners from local club the Royal Wootton Bassett Hounds accompanying the children as they ran.

Deacon’s jewellers provided medals for the occasion, and the local branch of Sainsbury’s contributed bunches of bananas to help keep the rumners’ strength up.

Also helping to organise proceedings were Royal Wootton Bassett Academy’s Power Of 10 - a group of 10 PE students who come together to help organise sporting events in the area.