PUPILS at a primary school in Thornbury got active for Comic Relief on Friday with classes coming together for a workout in the playground.

Children from St Mary’s Primary School joined in the exercise session run by the School Gate Running Club, taking part in interval training and learning about the benefits of keeping fit – all while wearing their red noses.

Thornbury’s mayor, Cllr Helen Harrison, a keen runner herself, also joined in the fun, taking part in her full mayoral robes.

“Having all the children come together for the session was great,” said Dr Kate Maskell, one of the group’s volunteer running leaders.

“Because we started at the school, it was a good chance to show the kids what we do and engage them on the importance of a healthy lifestyle.

“Everyone really got into the spirit with their red noses on and having the mayor there to join in with us was a lot of fun as well.”

The club was set up last September by a group of mums who gather at the school gate after dropping the children off to help get each other into shape with workouts and short runs.

Offering an outlet for mums of all ages and experience levels, the School Gate Running Club meets at 8.45am every Friday in term time, and features everything from complete beginners to marathon runners.

Sessions will feature a range of runs, circuit sessions and other training sessions with around 25 regulars each week.

Several members are also planning to enter this year’s Bristol 10k race as a group to fundraise for good causes.

Dr Maskell said: “Lots of mums will feel isolated when they have young children so this is a way to scoop them up and bring them together.

“It is all about getting out and active, and having the chance to meet new people. If we can also raise some money for charity in the process, then that is just great.”