Garstang St Thomas Church of England Primary School has received £5,000 towards the cost of a new all-weather running track.

The Garstang school, located in Kepple Lane, received funding from McCarthy Stone, which has developments nearby.

McCarthy Stone’s Contracts Manager, Ashley Barber, and the team joined the teachers and pupils to open the running track.

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Many of the children have been getting to grips with the new track as part of their ‘Daily Mile’.

The Daily Mile supports pupils in a simple, social activity that encourages them to run or jog for one mile at their own pace, in the fresh air with their friends for 15 minutes per day.

Jim Blakely, the Headteacher, said: “It’s a long way round! The track has had a positive impact across the school. The children are invigorated and engaged in learning straight after doing their daily mile.

“The improved fitness will have a great knock-on effect on the performance of our sports teams too, and this now means we can use the school field all year round.”

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Iain Fleming, Construction Director at McCarthy Stone, said the school works hard to ensure the children have the facilities required to build and develop their fitness.

He said: “It was a privilege to be able to support our neighbours in this way, and we are looking forward to fostering even closer relationships with the pupils and our retired homeowners when they are due to start moving in this year.”

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