Five primary schools from Chorley will be putting their best foot forward and bidding to run a daily mile to improve their health and well-being.

Chorley School Sport Partnership, supported by Lancashire Sport Partnership, have launched the event which is the first of its kind in the area after it was developed by a Scottish school St Ninian’s.

Buckshaw Primary School, Heskin Pemberton, Chorley St Josephs, Anderton St Josephs and Brinscall St John’s all hope their pupils will don their trainers once a day and take part in a mile run or walk to help improve their well-being which has a knock on effect of contributing to their learning, attention and behaviour.

The event was launched at Buckshaw Primary School with GB middle-distance athlete Leah Barrow, from Chorley, leading a warm-up session with 80 children from Buckshaw and six from Anderton St Josephs to promote the Chorley Run a Mile Pilot.

Simon Merrick, PE Co-ordinator from Anderton St Josephs, said “We have successfully run the Change 4 Life club for a couple of years and this is another great opportunity.

“It encourages all children to participate in PE, sport and physical activities and allows every child to succeed.”

Buckshaw teacher Mark Babcock was surprised with the overwhelming interest from pupils eager to participate in the pilot.

“I hope that running regularly will help the children use their physical energy positively outside of the classroom while improving focus and concentration in the classroom.”

Gemma Stokes, the School Games Organiser for Chorley, added: “The children were really excited to be trying something new.

“I am really pleased Chorley Schools are leading the way across Lancashire, by looking at creative yet simple ways to improve the fitness of young people and ensure they get 60 active minutes a day, working towards the Chief Medical Officers Guidelines.”

The pilot will involve running and walking a mile at least three times per week in addition to their two hours of PE a week and it will start after half-term.

“We are hoping that we can get children running continuously and hopefully after a few weeks completing it under 10 minutes,” added Gemma.

“To keep it interesting we will have rewards once the children complete a marathon - 26 miles - and sometimes we will use orienteering resources to make the routes a little different.”

Any school wanting to be involved can contact Gemma Stokes on (01257) 263639