Ref. 30153-10STAFF and youngsters at Nyland Special School have been following in the footsteps of marathon runners.

In the true spirit of the London Marathon, held a fortnight ago, the children and staff at the Nythe school have been totting up the miles on the running machines to try and raise money for the school.

Deputy head teacher Ralph Lancaster-Gay said about 100 miles had been run between all the participants

He had run about 40 miles himself.

He said: "We have had a couple of running machines lent to us on long-term lease at the school.

"So we thought it would be a great idea to get everyone running.

"It has been all about fun and motivation for the children to get them interested in a healthy lifestyle.

"But they have all done very well and the amount of money raised has been fantastic."

The machines have been leased to the school by sports company Reebok and were placed in the main hall of the school.

Over the past fortnight the children and staff have managed to amass about £700 in sponsor-ship.

The money raised will go towards the school fund and will be used to carry out various projects throughout the school.

Teacher Fiona Chappell said that all seven children in her class ran on the machines and had a fantastic time.

She said: "All the children were given a sponsorship form to get money for every mile they ran.

"It has been fantastic for the children, who have been looking at healthy lifestyles.

"They all ran really well and I can certainly see a few of them taking part in a real marathon one day."

The school has 46 children aged between six and 13 who have emotional or behavioural diffi-culties.