PINT-SIZED runners have smashed their charity target almost nine times over by running a mile at their school.

Almost 300 children took part in a Race for Life at Wincham Community Primary School in aid of Cancer Research UK.

They completed six laps of the Golden Mile all-weather track at the school, and raised more than £5,000 in the process.

The School Council organised the event for the summer term, and had set a target of £570.

In the event £1,529 was raised through 75 donations on an online justgiving page, £641 came from cheques and there was £2,921 in cash donations, producing a stunning total of £5,091.

The event included reception children, and everyone taking part was asked to bring a donation of a minimum of £1.50.

Many children raised far more than that, with one pupils collecting more than £300, and other pupils raising £247, £220 and £175.

If you would like to support the event you can still give at www.justgiving.com/wincham-cp-school.

“At Wincham School the children, their families and staff have a great tradition of supporting local children’s charities, especially charities which our children and families have benefited from,” said head teacher Diane Palin.

“Last Wednesday’s Race for Life particularly captured the hearts of the whole school community, and almost every child ran the six laps around the field, which equated to one mile, wearing a label which identified someone in their family or a family friend who has had or has cancer.

“It was an amazing achievement that £5,091 was raised in just one afternoon. A huge thank you must go to the staff who organised the event and to the parents for supporting their children.

“I’m sure this contribution from the Wincham and Pickmere community will be very well received by the charity."