PUPILS donned tinsels and Father Christmas hats for a festive run in Ulverston.

Sir John Barrow School, Ulverston staged a Santa Dash event in the run-up to the Christmas holidays involving all its pupils.

The challenge was for the youngsters to wear something festive and to run, jog or walk one mile around the playground in 20 minutes.

The fun festive event followed on from SJB's successful 100-mile challenge in which 191 pupils completed the challenge. In fact the pupils went 'the extra mile' and more, resulting in more than 19,000 miles completed by all children in the school over a six month period.

The school featured in Active Cumbria promotional video for the 100-mile challenge to be shown to schools around the country to encourage them to take part.

SJB is working hard to become a more healthy and sporty school and the Santa Dash is one of many activities promoting healthy lifestyles within the school. The children at SJB are responding well to the initiatives and are very enthusiastic in PE lessons, taking part in organised lunchtime sports and attending more after school clubs.

Siona Hartley, SJB's sports specialist from Ulverston Victoria High School, said: "I've noticed the difference in fitness levels and the enthusiasm of the children to take on new challenges."

Sarah Dearden, PE subject leader at SJB, said: "It's been a great success. The children are learning to pace themselves and understand the positive effects of exercise on their body."