WINCHESTER school children have been inspired to kick down their heels and run for a good cause.

Prince’s Mead School pupils visited the Sebastian’s Action Trust in Basingstoke during which they met the Countess of Wessex.

The year 1 students and their teacher, Abigail Redhead, have since dedicated themselves to the track and have taken part on fundraising running events.

Miss Redhead has already run a half marathon for the Trust, raising close to £1,000.

Earlier this month, the children ran an 800m sponsored relay at the school – which has seen them raise £996.20 so far.

During the event, pupils met Toby – a child with chronic lung disease and cerebral palsy - which helped them understand how their efforts could help others with his condition.

They were due to hand over their cheque to representatives of Sebastian’s Action Trust, known as The Bluebells, today.