PUPILS at a school in the Furness area took part in a special event last month to raise money for a national charity.

Girls at Dowdales School, in Dalton, joined forces with teachers on Friday as they participated in Cancer Research UK's Race For Life for the second time.

The headteacher of the school, Julie O'Connor, has praised the exceptional support for the event from families and friends of the school and has hailed it as a great day for pupils and staff.

She said: "Race For Life is a great addition to the school timetable and students were really looking forward to taking part.

"Support for the event from students' family and friends has been exceptional and I would like to thank all parents and carers for their support.

"It was a real team effort and a great day for students and staff, all while raising money for a seriously good cause."

Approximately 300 girls from Years 7, 8 and 9 participated alongside their teachers as they ran or jogged the 5km course.

Last year, around 200 students in Years 7 and 8 raised £3,600 for Cancer Research UK.

As part of their efforts for the Race For Life's schools programme, the school were provided with a schools' resource kit, specially created by the charity.

The kit provided the school with the tools they needed to set up the event, along with fundraising tips for the future.

The head of active living, and the event organiser, Emma Armstrong, said: "I'm so proud of our Year 7, 8 and 9 girls for taking part in the Race For Life.

"Encouraging youngsters to be more active while raising funds for a fantastic cause is inspiring and we cannot wait to run this event next year."