CHILDREN and families at a Wee County school are working together to cover the distance between Alloa and Tokyo in a fundraising challenge.

The young people, as well as parents and guardians, have already racked up more than half of the more than 5,000 miles between Redwell PS and the Japanese metropolis, where the delayed 2020 Olympics are set to go ahead this summer.

The Road to Tokyo initiative is helping to raise funds for the school, supporting trips away, playground equipment, classroom resources and more.

People from the wider school community have been working together to cover the miles by walking, running and cycling since the Easter break.

The initiative has its roots in a fundraising Mini Marathon held two years ago, spearheaded by school PE teacher Gavin Richardson.

Mr Richardson said: "Last year we decided to make it an annual event because the first one in 2019 was so successful, but then last year's event was cancelled because of the lockdown, we were all home-schooling.

"This year we weren't able to have parents to come and join in so we had to think of a way; how could we involve our whole school community to try and get some interest."

The challenge over the Easter break proved a success with many families logging the miles they have completed.

And the initiative continues, the school community having covered around 3,500 miles of the required 5,000-mile distance.

Families are continuing the effort every day while the distances covered at PE lessons are also all added up.

The school is also set to hold its Mini Marathon next week, with hopes the event will help reach the final goal.

With around 500 children in the school, even a mile or two each will make a big difference.

Mr Richardson added: "It's just to stimulate a bit more interest, rather than just saying: 'here's a sponsor form'.

"Especially when it was lockdown at the Easter holidays, it was a way to keep children and families active and busy."