YOUNG people certainly know how to put the “fun” in to fundraising.

Bolton School’s junior boys raised thousands of pounds every year through their colourful annual fancy dress fun run ­— which staff get involved in too!.

Money is divided between charities of their choice.

It regularly raises between £8,000 to £10,000.

This year four charities each received £2,040. They were Cancer Research UK, Macmillan Cancer Support, RSPCA and Make a Wish Uk.

The award is given in memory of Hayley Mathieson, who was a huge believer in the potential of young people and would also go the extra mile to support them taking on a number of fundraising challenges herself.

Her influence lives on in the hearts and minds of many, not least her family.

Sue Faulkner, head of junior boys, said: “We are delighted to receive this award on behalf of our boys and of course their families. The annual Charity Fancy Dress Fun Run is a key date in our school diary; of course the boys are all keen to engage in the event itself but most importantly they give very careful consideration to the charities they wish to support.

“In recent years we have raised an average of around £8000 each time, which has been shared by a number of key charities. This year’s chosen charities are close to the hearts of a number of our families and we are very pleased that the boys elected to support them.”

She added: “We hold several other fundraising events throughout the year – instilling the values of charity and volunteering are an important element of life at Bolton School where children from the youngest to the eldest are encouraged to do all they can.

“Many of our boys progress into our sixth form where they commit many hours to volunteering ­— something which was rewarded recently when Bolton School received the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service.”

The boys attended the award night and all gave a speech.