PUPILS were in the pink as they raced around their school playing field to raise money for a worthy cause.

Hundreds of students from The Vyne Community School united in a mission to generate funds for Cancer Research UK in their own Race for Life event. It was the second year the school, in Vyne Road, South View, Basingstoke, has organised the fundraiser.

Pupils were allowed to dress in pink for the day in return for donating money to Cancer Research UK, before completing a 5km course cheered on by staff and parents.

Even headteacher Mark Kingswood joined in the fun, sporting a pink T-shirt to take part in the race with pupils.

Jodie Gibson, head of key stage four, said: “This year, we decided that the whole school would be invo-lved.

“It was completely organised by our Year 10 prefect team, and they made it all run smoothly. We had the whole school, including some staff, running. And if they weren’t running they were marshalling or cheering.”

The event was launched at The Vyne last year after a member of staff suggested the school held its own Race for Life.

Mrs Gibson said: “She has left now but the pupils wanted to keep it going in her memory.”

Around 500 runners took part in total, and they hope to eventually raise around £1,000 for Cancer Research UK.

A local ice cream seller who brought his van to the event generously agreed to donate 12 per cent of his profits made at the Race for Life to the charity.

Mrs Gibson said: “Everyone had a fantastic time. Apart from aching a bit afterwards, they loved it and said they want to do it again next year. We are very proud that the whole school got involved. It was an amazing event with a fantastic atmosphere.”