School pupils hit the ground running for a fundraising appeal to bring ageing buildings into the 21st century.

Every one of St Nicholas CofE Primary and Nursery School’s 205 children took part in a fun run yesterday, which started a £500,000 funding appeal.

Head Sarah Stevens said: “This is a very exciting project for the school and will give us a wide range of new facilities to help the children with their learning.

“It will also be of great benefit to the community, including the North Herts Centre for Voluntary Service’s play scheme, which uses the school every Saturday as well as in the holidays.”

The Six Hills Way school was supported by Stevenage Leisure Ltd and Fairlands Valley Spartans to stage the races which varied in length from 600m to 6km, depending on the child’s age.

Organisers hope the event will raise around £2,000, to be added to the £7,450 already donated.

All of the money will go towards building new teaching areas, a dining hall and facilities for disabled pupils.

Some of it will also be used to replace the school’s roof.

The Diocese of St Albans will also be helping to foot the bill.