Children in Worcester are running marathons and picking up litter thanks to a new project.

Volunteers have set up a weekly ‘Marathon Kids’ event on Newtown Green, in Ronkswood.

Children are invited to run laps of the field every Saturday morning, at 10am, with the goal of clocking up enough miles on the Marathon Kids mobile app to cover the distance of a marathon to earn a medal.

This weekend the challenge was taken with further with kids participating in ‘plogging’ which involves running whilst collecting litter.

The idea is being run in partnership with Platform Housing Group as part of its Communities Month.

Paul Edwards, community officer at Platform, said: “The event was very popular with everyone that took part, with everyone throwing themselves into the event and wanting to do it again.

“When people get involved they find it enjoyable, as well as knowing your helping the environment while keeping fit.

“It was fantastic to be able to kick off Platform Housings Community Month with a bang and it would be fantastic if others could take up the challenge and make a difference in their communities.”

The next plogging event will be at Ronkswood Community Centre on Saturday October 30, at 11am, straight after the Marathon Kids event.

Clare Dalton, volunteer race director said: "I am extremely proud of every child and family who comes along to run or walk the laps on Newtown Green.

“The 20 minutes of running is a real energiser for the whole family. We have grannies, dogs, parents and babies in buggies all joining in the run. We think that one of our regular family dogs will soon be earning her own "marathon dog" medal!"

Volunteer marshal, Heather Warner, added: "We have tots to teens running, walking and toddling around Newtown Green every Sat morning, all counting their laps and achieving their medals.

"They love to run, it is as simple as that"