CHILDREN put their best foot forward in aid of their school.

Enthusiastic pupils at Burton Bradstock Primary School got fit to fundraise.

The students excelled themselves in a recent Fit-A-Thon to raise money for new science equipment for the school.

Each child was challenged, and sponsored, to complete 10 laps of the village recreation ground by running, jogging, skipping or dancing.

Each of the school's classes took part and were supported by parents, who stamped the children's lap cards as they went around the course. The school’s latest reception admissions, who have just joined the school, took part, although they were able to run around a smaller course.

The Sir John Colfox Academy, part of the Minerva Learning Trust along with Burton Bradstock, provided help in the form of seven sports leaders who were also past pupils of the primary school. They led the warm-ups and cool downs and were excellent support for the younger children by running with them and offering words of encouragement. The money pledged is in excess of £1,500 which, according to headteacher Claire Staple, is ‘way beyond the school’s expectations.’

Ms Staple said: “All the pupils had lots of fun and showed great determination and resilience in completing the challenge.

“This was especially appropriate and timely since we are focusing on developing personal resilience across the school this term through ‘The Edge’, a scheme designed to build confidence and individual skills developed in conjunction with the Sir John Colfox Academy.”

This was the first fundraising event of the school year to be organised by the Friends of the school and is to be followed by a quiz night at the Three Horseshoes in the village on Thursday, October 19.

Tickets are on sale at the school.