YOUNGSTERS at a city school have been taking part in sponsored runs as they aim to raise cash for a new running track.

Staff and pupils from Cranham Primary School have been raising cash to bring the dream of having the running track at the Tetbury Drive-based school come to fruition.

The plan is for the track to be made of bonded rubber, with pupils able to make use of the track during break times, and teachers also taking classes out for short running sessions during the school day.

Headteacher Gareth Morgan said: "There is good evidence that exercise helps improve learning so this is a win, win situation."

The school is using some of the Primary PE and Sports funding grant from the government but they still need to raise extra funds to pay for the £22,000 track.

To help the fundraising, children from nursery to year six had the opportunity to take part in sponsored walks.

Although challenged to run at least a third of a kilometre, some of the older pupils managed to run up an impressive seven kilometres.

The school's PE co-ordinator, Sally Banks, said: "It was wonderful to see how much all the pupils enjoyed the freedom of being able to run.

"Lots of pupils didn’t want to stop.

"I am sure the track will be really popular and well used across the school."

To make a donation contact the school office on 01905 452437, or visit justgiving.com/crowdfunding/cranham-primaryschool.