Getting muddy and having fun helped youngsters from Coltishall Primary to raise money to help fight cancer.

The Year 3 children from Hazel Class joined thousands of children for the Pretty Muddy Kids Race for Life to raise money for Cancer Research – a 5km run negotiating muddy obstacles at the Norfolk Showground.

The youngsters, aged seven and eight, set off dressed in pink and navy outfits – but they didn’t stay clean for long!

Thanks to the heavy rain there was plenty of mud to go around – added to be hoses, water pistols and shovels filled with mud.

After a very cold and tough run, all the children were thrilled to cross the finish line and receive their medals, and were all so proud of the money that they had raised.

Over the past couple of years, members of staff at the school and a family in Hazel Class have been affected by a cancer diagnosis.

The children wanted to do something to show their support, and what better way than getting muddy with their classmates?

They set up a fundraising page with a target of £870, which was smashed, ending up with a total of £5,375,

Class teacher Sara Ward, who was at the event, said: “I am proud beyond words! Tears were shed. There was no better way to spend a Saturday morning – watching these absolute diamonds dig deep, in chilly conditions, all to help others in need.”

A parent of one of the children taking part added: “Seeing the children so passionate about fundraising has been inspirational. Every donation that came in made my child’s face light up and helped them see the importance of their efforts.

“The race was hard due to the cold weather and them being soaked through, but thinking of the sponsors and those the money would help spurred the children on.”