SCHOOL pupils in Greenock put in a marathon effort in the name of charity - and crossed the finishing line with nearly £400 banked for a local cause.

Boys in girls in P4 at Ardgowan Primary completed a challenge inspired by the London Marathon to increase their fitness levels and help raise money for Ardgowan Hospice.

Following the annual race in the UK capital at the end of April, the pupils set off on their own 26.2-mile race by completing a mile a day in school.

They collected sponsorship money and raised a total of £362 for the hospice.

An event was held to celebrate the final leg of the challenge with family and friends invited along to cheer them on as they crossed the finish line.

Hospice mascot Archie the aardvark was also in attendance to congratulate them on their marathon effort.

Class teacher Gemma Allen said: "The children came up with the idea and they've thoroughly enjoyed it. "They wanted to collect money for Ardgowan Hospice as it is our chosen charity this year.

"It was launched on the back of the London Marathon but this is the Ardgowan Marathon."

Fellow P4 teacher Lynne Cowan was also involved in co-ordinating the charity challenge.

Parents, carers and even one of the pupils' 18-month old siblings, ran alongside the youngsters for the final leg.

The event followed the success of a previous 'mile-a-day' challenge at the school.

Mrs Cowan said: "As well as being fun for the children, research shows there are physical, cognitive and emotional benefits to running a mile a day."