UNPLEASANT autumn weather did not stop an army of schoolchildren from marching through the streets in colourful tutus, leg warmers and onesies for a charitable cause.

More than 150 pupils from Dowdales school in Dalton banded together dressed in an array of costumes as they took part in their annual sponsored walk.

Aimed at raising funds which are then invested in the premises, the event has become bigger and better each year with more parents and dogs joining the walk than ever before.

Wayne Brown, 32, is chair of the Parents and Teachers Association and has been involved with the activity for around eight years.

He said: "I think that Year Seven like it because it's the chance for them to get involved in showing an early allegiance with their school, as well as getting know people they might not have spoken to before.

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"I think the walk is a chance to see our kids at their best.

"The money raised goes back into the school, and previous years have paid for school diaries, records of achievement and our picnic benches."

Year Seven pupil Kian Benn turned up as David Tennant's Doctor Who and had raised an impressive £96.

His mother Laura, 35, said: "I was pleased it got him out of the house, it was nice to see him in the fresh air walking.

"It is nice to see that they've got that money for the kids to enjoy."

Mrs Benn helped her son to raise funds by asking colleagues at Chapel Street Infants and Nursery school in Dalton, as well as punters from the Black Bull pub.

Year after year, the event has continued to attract attention from parents and families eager to join in.

The walk lasted around two hours as students marched through Dalton to Furness Abbey and back.

Support and awareness from the local community was paramount in keeping the pupils safe.

Mr Brown added: "We have staff dotted at points across the area where there's traffic, helping with road safety and the police help out too."

Awards will be presented to the form groups who have the most pupils taking part as well as those in impressive costumes earning recognition.

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