PUPILS got off their marks to raise funds for a charity close to their hearts.

Youngsters at St John's Primary and nursery combined their sports day with a 'race for life' and have collected £600 for Cancer Research.

There was a competitive but fun atmosphere at the school.

Depute head Martin Craig said: "Sports day was something we definitely still wanted to do this year but we’re mindful we still had some carefully planned restrictions to consider."

"Each class had time to take part in such old favourites such as the egg and spoon race, skipping and class races."

Mr Craig said it was also an ideal opportunity to support Cancer Research.

He said: "I saw on the charity's Twitter page that they were holding a 'school-based' race for life and we thought it was a good way to combine that with Sports Day.

"We have been affected by cancer in the school and this was a way of paying back to a charity that works throughout the country.

"Each class completed a 15 minute 'Race for Life' in order to raise much needed funds."

Mr Craig said the there was a buzz about the school.

He said: "There was a great atmosphere and pupils knew they were doing a race for a reason.

"It was good to get a bit of normality back and to be charitable.

The school usually holds regular fundraising events over the year but this has proved really difficult due to the Covid restrictions.

Mr Craig said:"So far we are close to £600 which is fantastic and shows that real community spirit is still alive."

Unfortunately parents were not allowed to attend due to restrictions but were able to watch all the action on YouTube