CHILDREN at a Downend school got themselves covered in paint – and earned the praise of teachers and parents for doing it.
Around 200 pupils took part in Stanbridge Primary School’s first ever colour run, tackling an obstacle course on the school field as adult volunteers threw brightly-coloured powder paints over them.
The event, on the last day of term before the Easter holidays, was organised by the parent teacher association and is believed to have raised at least £1,500 for school funds.
Kelly Oppery, from the PTA, said: “There were three waves of children running. Each wave started with a 10-minute warm up to music and then had the remaining 20 minutes to run as many times around the track, with numerous obstacles and paint stations dotted around.
“The children paid a small entry fee and also collected sponsorship from family and friends.
“Stanbridge has a big community of runners, so this event felt appropriate – it wasn’t a race but a fun run, with teachers and children taking part.”
Head teacher David Payne said teachers, parents and carers also took part in the run.
He said: “Some of the event highlights were the whole community coming together on the school field.
“£850 of the money raised was actually the children being sponsored for their laps, which is so positive.
“The money will be contributing towards the school’s PTA projects.
“The PTA recently supported the school with our new allotment for all the children to access with our school gardener and we are currently raising funds to support our new Play Pod initiative, to enhance the children’s play time.
“Rich, joyous play is something the whole community is passionate about!”
Both Mr Payne and the PTA hope to make the event an annual one.