WHEN the going gets tough, these tough youngsters get going.

Prestolee school in Stoneclough, staged a mini-mudder — based on the challenging Tough Mudder — as their end of year fundraiser.

And just like the real thing, they used team work and had plenty of fun as they overcame the obstacles facing them.

The pupils came up with the idea of staging the event through their Primary Leadership Team (PLT), the student council body of the school.

Amy Bishop, year four teacher and leader of the PLT, faced the challenge of putting the course together, and enlisted the help of her dad, Paul, other members of her family including her partner, staff and members of the community.

She said: “I called on everyone I knew! It was brilliant, very successful.

“We always hold an end of year charity event, it is normally talent shows, and this year the children wanted to do something like Tough Mudder.

“They came with the ideas and I had to think how to put it together.”

Children faced a water slide, which was perfect for the hot weather, and tackled everything from hay bales to inflatables as they made their way round the course.

Parents and staff were not going to left out with, with mums and dads helping the youngest round the course as the crowds cheered everyone on.

As well as mud, children also took part in a mini-colour run. The event raised money for the school to go towards the building of a school in Nepal.

Miss Bishop said: “Everyone loved it and I think the parents more than the children.

“I was the only person who couldn’t take part because I am pregnant!”

She added: “I received a lot of help from the community to put it together, it was a massive effort. It was hard work but so worth it. If it wasn’t for the availability of the Hare and Hounds fields and facilities the event would not have taken place.”

Charleigh Brierley, aged 10, said: “I really enjoyed planning and taking part in mini-mudder, it was unique and energetic.

“There wasn’t just water, there was paint and soap too. It was an experience I will never forget.”

Parent Danielle Ingham said: “It was a thoroughly enjoyable and a great way of getting children, parents and teachers together at the end of the school year. It was well organised and lots of fun. It should be an annual event.”

Another parent, Neil Smith, added: “The event was a complete success from start to finish which highlighted the dedication of staff in designing the course and other fundraising activities.

“The determination of the children throughout was amazing. They were very wet and muddy but constantly smiling, especially when blasting their teachers with water pistols!”