The Downs School set off on 10k fundraising walk along the Ridgeway

Thousands of The Downs School pupils joined a fundraising walk on Friday.

In total 1,300 pupils across all year groups took part in a 10 kilometre hike along the Ridgeway, starting and finishing at the sports pitches.

The event, now in its 10th year, aims to raise funds to invest in new facilities which can benefit all students.

Each pupil contributed £1 and some chose to attend in fancy dress.

All pupils set forth brimming with energy, eager to round off the week enjoying the outdoors.

Thomas, 12, who is now in Year 8, said: "I did it last year and it was really fun."

Year 9 pupil Ava, 13, also conveyed her excitement for the occasion.

"We do it every year but in Year 7 we missed out because of Covid, so I did it in Year 8," she explained. "I'm now in Year 9 and we get to do it again.

"Last year, I remember it was hot and it was quite a long trek, but there is a tuck shop at the end."

Headteacher, Chris Prosser, added: "They're all so well-behaved and it's just a great community event.

"We have people from the community come to volunteer, including some local businesses and parents as well. So, it's really in the spirit of what we stand for in terms of community and strong partnerships.

"We do this because of our limited budget. The money we raise is pumped back into the school to benefit the students.

"We have a snack shack we've paid for, a canopy area for Year 7 students, a turfed football pitch and basketball or netball court, so lots of projects to benefit all the students in each year."