Pupils from New Hall Preparatory School in Chelmsford raised £542 for CAFOD’s Nepal Earthquake Appeal.

Following pleas from keen pupils, Principal Katherine Jeffrey launched a challenge for all children in the Preparatory School to beat her time running 400m around the school track.

Pupils donated a minimum of £1 to enter and their times were recorded by members of staff throughout the Trinity Term.

Teachers, support staff, and even school mascot Beaulieu Bear took part, much to the delight of pupils, who were particularly excited when it was revealed that Mrs Jeffrey herself had been disguised as the enigmatic bear during the challenge.

All of the money raised will be donated to CAFOD to help the victims of the earthquake in Nepal where eight million people have been affected.

Katherine Jeffrey, Principal at New Hall School, said: “It was a privilege to support the children with their fundraising for such an important cause.

"We really enjoyed training and running around the school track together and were delighted that everyone gave so generously to such a worthy cause.”