More than 100 pupils, past and present, along with their parents and carers have raised almost £1,000 for charity by taking part in a Mini London Marathon in Welshpool in support of their schoolteacher who will be swapping the classroom for the streets of the capital to compete in Sunday’s race.

Welshpool Church in Wales Primary School teacher Liam Gregory is taking part in his first ever marathon this weekend to raise money for the Lingen Davies Cancer Fund – a charity that is close to his and his family and friends’ hearts.

Running around the school would usually get children in trouble with their teachers but on Thursday (April 20) pupils were encouraged to take part in a world record attempt by the organisers TCS London Marathon to get as many children as possible to run one mile in their school between April 17 and May 12.

“What a fantastic afternoon it was,” the school said. “It was brilliant to see so many supporters turn out to help Mr Gregory raise money for Lingen Davies Cancer Fund.

“Unbelievably, we managed to complete a collective total of 938 laps which is the equivalent to 169 miles.”

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The school said more than £930 has been raised and they’re still counting which will go towards supporting the Lingen Davies Cancer Fund’s work in mid Wales.

Year 3 and 4 teacher Mr Gregory, who will be wearing the school’s logo on his shirt on Sunday, said seeing so many people take part in the mini marathon made him feel “really proud”.

“It’s a real boost for me doing the marathon. It’s going to be difficult on the day but the support and enthusiasm from the school has been brilliant.

“Seeing the children running six or seven laps; they’re so keen and so willing to take new challenges on board I just hope something like this has maybe kickstarted something new for them. It’s important to have that badge on my sleeve.”

He added: “The school is a big part of my life, and all the support the staff have given me, and the financial support the parents and carers have given me through the fundraising.

"I think it’s important to have that on my sleeve for the children to see and hopefully I’ll be on TV and show them that it’s a challenge that anyone can do. Three or four years ago I wouldn’t have thought I would be running a marathon!”