PUPILS at Newbridge on Wye School were joined by a Welsh government minister and an international athlete for the launch of an initiative in Powys aimed at making children fitter.

The Daily Mile aims to encourage pupils to run, jog or walk a mile during the school day.

So far 50 schools in Wales have signed up to the challenge and on Friday (May 5) more than 120 pupils did their best to cover a mile at the event’s Powys launch.

Joining them were staff and parents as well as Education Secretary Kirsty Williams and Llandrindod Wells-based international mountain runner Heidi Davies.

Promising T47 athlete Morgan Jones, who is trained by former Olympic athlete Christian Malcolm and attended Newbridge Primary School, also took part in the mile event, which was backed by Sport Powys.

Sport Powys Development Officer Elin Wozencraft said: "Sport Powys is always striving to improve and increase opportunities to raise childrenÕs physical activity levels. What better way to get active than to be outside in the fresh air every single day with all of your friends! We are so excited to get this scheme launched in Powys, at Newbridge On Wye school."

Any school interested in getting involved in the The Daily Mile can get in touch with Elin on [email protected] or call 01874 612335.