A GROUP of Worcester school children laced up their trainers and ran 2km to raise funds for a city charity.

The 18 youngsters, most of whom are in Reception at Cherry Orchard Primary School in Worcester, took part in the Bromsgrove Juniors Park Run to raise money for Onside.

Onside Advocacy is a Worcestershire and Herefordshire based charity which supports people disadvantaged by disability, mental ill health, learning difficulties or age-related health issues.

Its team of staff and volunteers help more than 3,000 people each year by giving them a voice and ensuring they are listened to.

Onside launched its £10k Challenge in January with a view to raising £10,000 in three months. It hoped to encourage 100 volunteers to each raise £100.

So far the challenge has raised £8,000, helped by the £730 raised by the children's sponsored run.

Other activities held to raise funds for the charity have included film nights, pop-up restaurants, cycling, raffles, concerts, auctions, and even an IT expert who offered his computer skills in return for a donation.

Deputy chief executive of Onside Cathy Jackson-Read said: "We are absolutely amazed at how well these tiny tots have done to raise so much money.

"We never envisaged how much they would raise. We would like to thank them all and their parents for their support."

Onside hosted a small tea party complete with cup cakes at its Mix Cafe in St Paul's Street, to thank the children for their efforts.

Onside has now extended its £10k deadline until August 1, 2017. To help raise funds contact Lisa Young on 01905 27525 or email lisa.young@onside-advocacy.org.uk