PUPILS at a Kidderminster school will be looking to go the extra mile by running, jumping and throwing as far as they can to raise money for the Back on Track appeal.

All the children at Franche Community Primary School - more than 500 pupils - will take part while year six pupils, aged 10 and 11, will co-ordinate the activities and record the distances reached.

Matt Warren, event organiser and PE co-ordinator, explained each run, jump or throw would be added to the others to work out the total for the whole school in each of the three categories.

He said: "I have no idea how far they will reach. This is not something we have done before and working it out will be half the fun. It would be great to get over 10 miles for the throwing though."

Mr Warren said the school had been keen to support the appeal from the outset and the idea had emerged as an "off the cuff" but fitting way to raise funds.

He explained that running, jumping and throwing formed the basis of most sports and particularly athletics.

He added the school enjoyed close links with Kidderminster and Stourport Athletic Club. While some pupils are members, others have been selected by the school for specialised coaching at the club.

Mr Warren said: "Sport is incredibly important for children. It is life changing and clubs like Stourport Hockey Club and the athletics club seem particularly vital now that we are in an Olympic year.

"We have a proud heritage of athletes in this country and at grass roots level we need clubs like them to bring forward the new talent."

He explained: "At school we can get children started and give them a taste of different sports but the clubs can offer specialised training and take the gifted and talented children to the next level."

Mr Warren said the school saw sport as a priority both inside and outside of the curriculum and had many talented youngsters.

He added they enjoyed close links with Kidderminster Harriers Football Club, Worcester Warriors Rugby Club and Wharton Park Golf Club and offered a range of sporting opportunities.

Mr Warren said each child would be sponsored for £1 in the event, which should raise at least £500. It is due to take place later this month, following the completion of Standard Assessment Tests (SATs).

He added: "We have enthusiastic parents and good support from the community here and we know it's for a good cause."