HIGH winds and torrential rain failed to stop young athletes running to raise money for their Darlington school.

Longfield School pupils took part in a relay marathon to raise money for the school's bid for sports college status.

Last year staff, pupils and friends of the school raised £50,000 to bid for special status which would attract funding for sports facilities.

But it was later revealed another £5,000 had to be raised after the conditions for bidding changed. A series of fundraising events have been planned to raise the money.

The marathon attempt took place on Monday with about 700 young runners in two teams braving the elements to run the 26 miles that make up a marathon.

The boys' team completed the distance in 2hr 42sec, smashing the men's marathon record by almost five minutes.

The girls surpassed British runner Paula Radcliffe's record time by almost eight minutes, completing the distance in 2hr 9min 22 sec.

A school spokeswoman said: "We would like to thank the pupils for their outstanding effort and also thank, in advance, all of those local people who have sponsored runners."

Anyone who would like to help the school can call (01325) 380815.