PUPILS at a Barrow school put on their running shoes to join the fight against cancer.

Around 260 youngsters from Victoria Infant and Nursery School in Oxford Street, Barrow, took to the nearby fields of Hawcoat Park on Monday when they completed their very own Race for Life.

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The fundraising gala collected £380 for Cancer Research UK, which will contribute towards the global fight against the disease.

Claire Dale, special educational needs co-ordinator at Victoria Infants, organised the event, only the second of its kind by the school.

She said: "It was absolutely brilliant. It was a wonderful atmosphere. We involved the whole school, from nursery to Year Two.

"The children were really excited to go up to Hawcoat Park.

"They were really excited to take part and get the medals.

"We had a parent that was suffering from breast cancer and it was her idea originally.

"She thought it was the perfect way for the school to get involved."

Last year's inaugural event was rained off and had to be held indoors so teachers and parents rejoiced when they heard the forecast for a dry and sunny day.

Children completed laps of the field in a mini version of the iconic fundraising challenge and were cheered on by a crowd of well-wishers.

All the money from this year's event came from generous donations.

Reflecting on the day, Lucie Phelps, headteacher at Victoria Infants, said: "It was lovely.

"The children really enjoyed it and the parents said it was super idea. It was exceptionally organised."

Cancer facts

- 352,197 new cases of cancer in 2013

- 161,823 deaths from cancer in 2012

- 50 per cent of patients survive cancer for 10 or more years in England and Wales

- 42 per cent of cases of cancer are preventable

Source: Cancer Research UK