SCHOOL pupils are going the extra mile to show their support for the people of Ukraine by completing 1,434 miles marking the distance from Barrow to Kyiv.

The Chetwynde pupils, who range from age three to 16, are this week dressing in the country’s colours of blue and yellow to complete the challenge.

They will raise much-needed funds for two charities to support disadvantaged children in Ukraine by running or walking around the Rating Lane school grounds.

Chetwynde deputy headteacher Louise Hinton, who is co-ordinating the fundraiser, said the pupils had been learning about the situation in Ukraine and came up with the idea.

She said: “Every pupil from kindergarten to Year 11 is getting involved in this challenge because they have seen what is happening and they want to help other families and children who are affected by the conflict.

“On the first day, the primary school completed a total of 359 miles with our older pupils helping them on the circuits of the school and we will continue this week until we reach the target.”

The school, which is part of the South Cumbria Multi-Academy Trust (SCMAT), raised £160 through a recent bake sale and is also holding a raffle and has asked local businesses to donate prizes to the school office.

Other schools due to join SCMAT in September are also joining the fundraising efforts. Vickerstown School is holding a Break the Rules Day this Friday with staff and pupils wearing non-uniform in blue and yellow to raise money for Ukraine charities.

Meanwhile Year six pupils at Ormsgill Nursery and Primary School are holding an Easter raffle in school with all money raised going to the Disasters Emergency Committee Ukraine appeal. The school also has the Ukrainian flag flying outside school as a show of support for the Ukrainian people.