Fundraising pupils from Clenchwarton Primary found their efforts had benefited the school as well as their chosen charity, when they were awarded a grant for more than £1,000 following their successful completion of the Grand East Anglia Run (GEAR) last month.

Led by Year 4 Teacher Michelle Ryan, the team of children took part in the race in order to support East Anglia Air Ambulance (EAAA), successfully raising more than £630 for the cause.

The group had no idea that their altruistic efforts would also earn them money for their school, and the award from GEAR sponsor Bespak came as a surprise.

“This money is a grant provided by Bespak for the 2026 GEAR run,” said Mrs Ryan. “As they sponsor the event, they provided the top three schools entering teams with a monetary amount.

“Clenchwarton had the biggest school team, with 43 participating runners, and won the top prize grant awarded by Bespak of £1,100.

“We were gobsmacked, and the children were extremely excited when I told them. It was a huge shock, as we had entered the Mini GEAR not knowing about this competition.”

The funding will be used to support sports provision at Clenchwarton, which is a member of the West Norfolk Academies Trust.

Mrs Ryan continued: “The grant will go towards improving sports provision at the school, including buying resources, funding sports development, dance provision, and providing more opportunities to build a foundation for creating a life-long habit with movement at the school.

“Clenchwarton has many different sports events throughout the year, enabling children to be competitive, or just try a different sport, including mini golf, tennis, Quadkids, and dance festivals, so it will go a long way to enable these to continue.”

Following this year’s success, there are also plans for the school to take part in GEAR 2027.

Mrs Ryan added: “I hope to continue growing the team ready for next year. I have already had many interested children come and ask me about it.”