Energetic primary and secondary schoolchildren ran five kilometres to raise money for a children’s hospice.

Youngsters from Goldstone Primary School in Hove and Hove Park School took part in the second annual Hove Park 5k Race in aid of Chestnut Tree House children’s hospice, based near Arundel.

Last year’s event raised £1,400 for the hospice.

The school extended the number of runners this year with 160 places available, which is up from 100 places last year.

Three local companies sponsored the event; mobile phone and tablet repair business Phone Mike, physiotherapist Active Physio and first aid training provider Safety Mode.

Mike Walter, who owns Phone Mike, said: “It was a great event, and all of the children taking part were very keen.

“The headteacher was saying there were even more children who would have wanted to take part if there had been more spaces.

“I am pleased to support the hospice and I am looking forward to visiting.

“I have heard it’s a lovely place which is full of laughter.”

Kayla Shepherd, who runs Safety Mode, said: “It was a brilliant event.

“I was really impressed with how many children took part especially as it was something they signed up for themselves.

“I did the warm-up with the secondary school children before the race, which was lots of fun.

“I was amazed how how quick some of them were at running.

“My business is all about physical wellbeing so it was really good to be involved.”

The sponsors provided bespoke water bottles for the students to keep.

All of the participants got a specially designed medal and a goodie bag of gifts and refreshments.

Matt Lambert, the owner of fitness class and personal training business Hove Hornets, was there to start the race.

He provided oranges to give the runners a boost of energy before they began.

For more photos of the race today, see the Youth in Action pages in Wednesday’s edition of The Argus.