PUPILS at a North-East school have raised hundreds of pounds to help children less fortunate than themselves this Christmas.

More than 820 pupils – and quite a few members of staff – at Polam Hall School, in Darlington, took part in the school’s annual Santa Run and Jolly Jumper Day to raise money for the Save the Children Christmas appeal.

The event was spearheaded by members of the school’s Interact group, who chose the charity and led fundraising efforts. They expect the school to raise more than £800 for the charity.

The Northern Echo: Polam's Reception class led the school-wide Santa Run Polam's Reception class led the school-wide Santa Run (Image: Chris Barron)

PE teaching assistant Matthew Kerr and trainee teacher Aidan Forster supported the club with organising the Santa Run – and even donned inflatable Santa Claus suits for the occasion!

Matthew said: “It’s been a really fun day. It’s a great way to get children of all ages out of the classroom, engaged in sport, and having fun with their friends. It’s a really unique experience.”

Aidan added: “It’s a nice way to spend time with the kids, and get to know different classes that we don’t normally teach. The run really helps them burn off some of that excited end-of-term energy, so they can return to the classroom ready to learn.”

The Northern Echo: Matthew Kerr and Aidan Forster were instrumental in organising the fun run for the kidsMatthew Kerr and Aidan Forster were instrumental in organising the fun run for the kids (Image: Chris Barron)

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Children each paid £1 to take part in the Santa Dash and wear their jolly Christmas jumper to school.

The fun run route took them around the school’s expansive playing fields, where they were also challenged to spot ‘hidden Santas’ as they ran.

The Northern Echo:

Principal Kate Reid said: “Our annual Santa Run is always a fantastic end to a busy year, and the children really look forward to it. I’m pleased it’s once again been a runaway success, and thanks to the hard work of Interact and our staff, plus the generosity of our pupils and their families, Polam Hall has raised a spectacular sum to help those who really need it at this time of year.”