A SCHOOL running club in Yate will be pounding the streets of the town in a 5km challenge.

Pupils at St Mary’s Primary School will, for the first time, join parents and teachers in the annual fun run on June 6.

The youngsters are all members of the school’s new running club and they will be putting their best foot forward to raise money for school funds.

Anita Chard, a member of the Friends of St Mary’s, said: "Gerry Bates, Lorain Palmer and Paul Chard, who are the coaches of our new junior running club, started the club to develop the children's running skills, encourage their self confidence and support the children to reach their full potential.

"All the coaches ask of them is to put in their best efforts."

Around 20 pupils in Years 5 and 6 have joined the club so far. They will join adults in the 5km road run, starting at the school at 11am.

There will be other fun races throughout the day (from 10am) as well as a barbecue, face painting, stalls and pony rides.

All money raised from the event go towards a play project, which will involve children using their imagination to build bridges and to learn how to build dams and shelters.

Companies including Andrews estate agents, The Entertainer and Sodbury Pavilion sports are sponsoring the race.

To take part download an entry form from www.stmarysyate.co.uk