A CROSS-COUNTRY run which has been held at a North-East school for the past 120 years has raised nearly £2,000 for charity.

Nearly 250 pupils at Barnard Castle School, in County Durham, took part in this year's run, which was established in 1885.

The Barnard Run saw pupils raise funds for the Butterwick Hospice.

The hospice's founder, Mary Butterwick, presented awards to the children, including a new cup which was named after her.

Mrs Butterwick was also made an honorary Old Barnardian.

The school's headmaster David Ewart said: "This is a huge quantity of money to be passing on to such a worthwhile cause."

Mrs Butterwick said: "We were absolutely delighted to be approached by the school and it's lovely that they have dedicated the historic run to raise money for our charity."

Barnard Castle school- teachers Charles Alderson and Mark Fuller came up with the idea to stage the run for charity.

Mr Fuller said: "My father died in a hospice and the Butterwick is a local charity, so seemed a good choice."

Mr Alderson said: "Cross-country isn't the easiest event to make popular because it is cold and muddy, so running it for charity gives it real purpose for the pupils."

There was a four-mile senior race and 2.75-mile junior race.

Each competitor received a certificate and medal, with shields and cups going to winning individuals and houses.

Results - The Butterwick Charity Cup: North/York/Longfield.

New Junior Girls' Barnard Cup: 1 Anna Dawson, 20:25; 2 Becky Davy, 21:13; 3 Laura Ritchie-Bland, 22:34.

New Junior Girls' House Cup: 1 Bowes; 2 Longfield; 3 Marwood.

The Wilford Cup: 1 Perry Alexander, 18:17; 2 Ben Mensah, 18:25; 3 Owen Waldin, 18:42.

The Junior Barnard Cup: 1 York; 2 Tees; 3 Dale.

The Intermediate Girls' Cup: 1 Rachel Farrar, 20:24; 2 Zoe Wilkinson, 20:25; 3 Stephanie Turner, 21:38.

The Turnbull Shield: 1 Georgina Zissler, 19:14; 2 Kineta Kelsall, 20:18; 3 Camilla Stewart, 20:32.

The Blackett Cup: 1 Ben Richards, 17:08; 2 Johnny Bartlett, 17:14; 3 Sam Castledine, 17:52.

The Lloyd Evans Cup: 1 Nick Zissler, 23:05; 2 Luke Kelton, 24:45; 3 Ed Challis, 25:09.

The Chatt Cup: 1 Bowes; 2 Marwood; 3 Longfield

The Barnard Cup: 1 North/York; 2 Durham; 3 Tees.