YOUNGSTERS from a specialist school swapped their uniforms for running shoes to complete their annual charity "Rumathon."

More than 140 pupils and staff from Rumworth School, Armadale Road, Ladybridge, took part in the run in aid of Sports Relief and the Rumworth School Charity Group.

Most of the students walked the circuit around the Lady Bridge Estate, with some children being pushed in wheelchairs and eager volunteers who managed to run the course twice.

Last year's dash around the two-mile circuit raised more than £1,000 for the school's charity group and the British Heart Foundation.

Neil Mclachlan, of the school's the PE department, said: "With Sports Relief being in the news this week, we're hoping to raise a similar amount to last year's total for the charity. Our last run was such a success and we were surprised at what we managed to raise so we're keeping our fingers crossed."

The fundraising did not end with the run - children also donated 50p to the charity funds to swap their uniforms for their own clothes for the day.

Medals and certificates were awarded to those who took part in the event, along with special prizes for those who made a good effort in collecting sponsorship money.

The event was sponsored by McDonald's and nearby pub Beaumont Arms, in Armadale Road, which provided the refreshments after the run.

Mr Mclachlan said: "The children have been practising in PE lessons with running and jogging and have been very excited."