Mini athletes in the making laced up their running shoes on Friday and jogged a mile for a nearby hospice.

More than 200 pupils of Moreton Church of England primary school took on the Mile for Moreton, some of them with parents in tow.

With a summer's sun overhead, the runners dashed through farmers fields and past the church before making their way back into the Ongar school.

Now in its fourth year, the day was held again jointly in aid of St Clare Hospice - which provides care for people with life limiting illnesses in West Essex - and the school's PTA.

Adelle Green, PTA member and parent of two Moreton pupils, said: "It was a great, fun afternoon.

"Last year we raised £2,200 for St Clare Hospice and the PTA and hopefully more this year.

"The first year we did the fun run we chose the hospice because one of the dads was running the marathon for them."

The money raised on the day and through sponsorship forms will be handed to mascot Clare Bear in the form of a novelty sized cheque once the last pennies have been added up.

Oranges for hungry runners were donated by Epping Fruit Stool, with governor and Yummy Jobs owner Jason Smith supporting the event.