YOUNGSTERS received their just rewards for wallowing in mud as part of a charity run.

The children, from Kirkleatham School, in Redcar, completed the seventh annual 10k Green Tree Run, promoted by Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council and The Tees Forest.

Yesterday, the nine girls and boys, all with learning difficulties, were presented with medals and certificates by Joanne Hodgson, the event organiser.

Chris Bielby, the school's PE coordinator, said the run around the Eston Hills was a messy affair.

"It certainly wasn't a fun run," he said.

"The course was very, very, muddy and wet. It became an extreme challenge, but so rewarding when it was completed."

Ms Hodgson, who also presented certificates to other youngsters who completed the 3k event, said everyone did their best.

"They did ever so well," she said. The conditions were terrible, and everyone who finished deserves credit."