SCHOOLCHILDREN put themselves through their paces to race money for charity.

Pupils at Ghyllgrove Infants School, in The Gore, Basildon and William Read School, in Long Road, Canvey ran races to support Cancer Research UK.

They children were encouraged to take home sponsor and ask their friend and families to donate.

In return, the sponsors were invited to watch the youngsters take on sporting challenges.

Pupils put on their best running kits for the events, with the girls donning pink and boys wearing blue.

As they crossed the finish line, they were rewarded with meals.

The event was inspired by Cancer Research UK's annual Race for Life events, which see women take on 5k or 10k courses for charity.

The money goes towards research into all 200 types of cancer, with the hope of one day finding a cure.

Basildon's Race for Life will take place on Sunday, June 26 at Gloucester Park, with the Pretty Muddy obstacle course taking place the day before.