Sunderland pupils run, skip and jump for Children in Need

Pupils at New Silksworth Academy, Sunderland, staged a week-long sponsored sporting marathon backed by Lloyds Bank Tyne and Wear Group which pledged to match all cash raised through the week. They expect to raise more than £400.

All 446 pupils at the newly formed academy took part in the charity event with nursery and Key stage 1 children staging a sponsored skip-athon and Key stage 2 pupils running 24 laps of the school gym, helped by sports coach Amar Purewal.

Lloyds Bank assistant bank manager Elisa Tye, said: "As official partners of this year’s Children in Need Big Spotacular Lloyds bank is very keen to work with local schools.

“The children have been really enthusiastic all day and it’s great to see them all enjoying themselves, getting fit and raising money.”

Prizes of Pudsey money boxes were also awarded to the best skipper and the most enthusiastic runner of the day.

Deputy head teacher, Fiona Lynn, said: “We have always supported Children in Need but this is the first time we have brought all of the children together to fundraise.

“We were delighted that Lloyds bank offered to support our sporting marathon as it is a great way to involve local businesses and parents in our activities within school.”

Student Neeve Jones, nine, of Sunderland, added: “I really like running so it’s a great way to raise money for Children in Need while having fun with my friends.”