Schoolchildren smashed their target of £5,000 when they took part in a sponsored cycle.

Around 50 pupils from Forest School in Walthamstow went to Redbridge Cycling Centre on April 28 and cycled around the 1km track as many times as they could in an hour.

It was all in aid of Orphans in Need, a charity which supports more than 20,000 orphans and widows in 14 countries around the world.

In total, the 50 children and parents cycled around 750km together raising £6,088. That cash will help two orphans for the rest of their childhood.

East London and West Essex Guardian Series:

Brothers Aadam and Uzair Sheikh, from Forest School, who took part and helped arrange the sponsored cycle, said: “Two passions we share are cycling and raising money for those less fortunate than ourselves. A sponsored cycle is the perfect way to combine both.

“We were joined by 42 keen and enthusiastic friends from Forest School, ranging from year 10 pupils, all the way down to year one. It was also great to be supported by some parents who accompanied their children.

“No one there had to do what they did, but all of the children and adults gave up their Sunday afternoon and cycled with such determination, something which we feel was quite incredible and I was so proud to be a part of.

“We couldn’t have done this without everyone who supported us.”