MONEY was raised for charity as Sir John Colfox pupils ran the extra mile in the annual Save the Children World Marathon.

The youngsters completed the 26.21 miles for the third year, raising funding for the children's charity.

This year, the school had four different teams competing in the relay challenge. James Noonan led off the sixth form team, Frankie Chant led off the year seven to year nine boys, Bronwyn Wright lead the year seven to year nine girls team and Dane James led the year ten and year 11 mixed team.

The race was started by Chris Dobson from the Bridport and Beaminster branch of Save the Children.

Mr Dobson said: "I am thrilled and delighted that the Sir John Colfox School students who ran in the relay marathon have raised a grand total of £1,144.70 for Save the Children.

"This is an exceptional achievement for young people from all year groups in the school, including the sixth form, and it was a great pleasure to help at the event."

At the half way point of the race, the sixth form team and the year ten and 11 team were neck and neck, while the younger boys and girls teams were separated by just one lap.

After over two hours of running, the mixed year ten and11 team crossed the line in 2:03:58, closely followed by the sixth form team in 2:06. Unbelievably, after 105 laps of action, the younger boys and girls changed batons for the final time at the same time and the boys ended up beating the girls by just five seconds.

"On behalf of the Bridport and Beaminster branch of Save the Children, I would like to thank all who took part, and particularly Andy David who provided such an outstanding lead," added Mr Dobson.

"His inspired enthusiasm and expertise is so much appreciated, and it's a pleasure to witness the positive response of all ages. The head of the Sir John Colfox School, Mrs Kay Taylor, is to be congratulated and thanked for encouraging active support."

The Sir John Colfox Academy would like to thank the volunteers from Save the Children for supporting the event and the incredible students for going that extra mile, or 26, to make a difference.