MORE than 100 pupils and staff from Largs Academy pounded the promenade - and raised more than £6,000 for Mary’s Meals.

The 5K event took place following last year’s successful event, where staff raised more than £3,000 for the charity.

This year the run was open to pupils, and Geography teacher Gareth Atkinson says the school community has been blown away by the support of residents.

He said: “To have more than 100 staff and pupils wanting to take part was amazing, and that really contributed to the whole event.

“We also had a dress down day at the school where students could either give a donation towards Mary’s Meals or to the Largs Foodbank to come in casual dress.

“To have raised over £6,000 after setting our original target at £500. That is absolutely amazing, we have really smashed it.

“We’ve been blown away by people’s generosity and kindness and we want to say a massive thank you to everyone who donated.”

Gareth says runners managed to dodge the worst of the weather along the prom and reveals that the event was so successful the school is making it an annual one.

He explained: “We had a nice weather window where it was sunny, despite it being horrendous the rest of the day.

“The kids really enjoyed it no matter how they took part, with some pupils running the whole thing and others taking their time and walking.

“At the end of the day it didn’t really matter how people completed the 5K, it was all about raising money.

“It was such a success that we want to make it an annual event in aid of Mary’s Meals that pupils and staff can take part in together.”

Gareth has praised the school’s pupils for their efforts.

He said: “I'm so immensely proud of our entire school community, but a special thanks goes to our S6 pupils.

“They have drummed up incredible support from their families and friends and have really driven this fundraising venture.

“It's so encouraging to see so many of our students becoming passionate about charitable activities and taking such a keen interest in global citizenship and social justice.

“I'm so proud of them and their families, they're a real credit to the school and the wider community.”

Gareth would like to thank Morrison's in Largs, who kindly donated bottles of water and Mars bars to all participants.

Donations are still open at www.justgiving.com/fundraising/largs-academy