HUNDREDS of primary school children took part in the one-mile Christmas Cross Country event run by the Chippenham Sports Partnership, made up of Abbeyfield, Sheldon and Hardenhuish secondary schools.

Around 90 children entered the competitive section of the event, which was won by Barney from Queen's Crescent school, with Redland School taking the team title and St Peter's second.

The Fun Run had more than 550 children taking part from Chippenham's primary schools.

As schools arrived, they had the chance to enjoy some festive tunes before being treated to a visit from Father Christmas and joining him for some warm up routines.

Community sports leaders from Hardenhuish, Abbeyfield and Sheldon School made sure all involved were having a good time, with year 7 pupils from Sheldon School acting as marshals around the course, encouraging the runners to keep going.

Afterwards, all the runners were invited to Sheldon Sixth Form Centre for a restorative hot chocolate with marshmallows.

The schools thanked local sponsors, M & S Chippenham, Sainsburys, and Tesco Metro in Pewsham, who donated hot chocolate and mince pies.