RAIN and mud could not stop enthusiastic young people at a Wee County school last week as they helped complete an ambitious fundraising challenge.

Last Wednesday, May 12, saw the Redwell PS annual mini marathon take place with 500 pupils – including from the nursery – running more than 500 miles.

The mini marathon, which saw a rainy start that could simply not dampen the school's spirit, offered the opportunity for a final push in the Redwell to Tokyo fundraising challenge.

The initiative has seen young people and families walking, running and cycling a combined 5,000 miles, which is around the distance between the Clacks school and the Japanese metropolis, where the delayed 2020 Olympics are set to go ahead this summer.

Gavin Richardson, PE teacher, told the Advertiser how the mini marathon went ahead following some heavy rain: "The first class got a bit wet but after that the rain stopped, it was quite wet and muddy underneath but the kids really enjoyed it actually."

Mr Richardson, who thanked fellow PE teacher and colleague Hailey Morton for her help with the set up on the day, explained that with some 700 miles completed on the day, the 5,000-mile target was reached just in time.

He said: "I'm just really pleased, every pupil in the school took part and tried their hardest in difficult conditions.

"Nobody complained and they all had a smile on their face; it was nice to see the nursery pupils, the three and four year olds, coming out and joining in as well."

The Redwell to Tokyo challenge has been helping to raise funds for the school with Mr Richardson seeking to create a buzz, rather than just handing out sponsorship forms.

The initiative has raised more than £1,000 so far, with funds still expected to flow in.

Funds for the school will support trips away, playground equipment, classroom resources and more.

Both Mr Richardson and Mrs Morton were proud of the pupils' efforts on the day and they issued a nod of appreciation to all in the school community for taking part in the wider initiative, which started during the Easter break.