ADVENTURER Jack White swapped cycling shorts for running shoes when he joined pupils at his former school for a cross country event which has been staged for more than a century.

Last year, the 28-year-old former Barnard Castle School student spent six months cycling the length of Africa.

Now back living in the town, he lined up for the 122nd Barnard Run, an event which began life as a paper chase before developing into a series of cross country races involving the whole school.

This year's run was also staged in support of Farm Africa, the charity which Jack raised £18,000 for during his cycle marathon, which saw him set off from Cairo, Egypt, and finish in Cape Town, South Africa.

“I came back to give a few talks to the school about what I had done and Farm Africa and the school's charity committee decided to support Farm Africa this year.”

The British-based charity helps tackle hunger in east Africa by providing smallholder farmers with the skills and knowledge needed to improve yields so they can grow enough food for their families.

Taking part in the Barnard Run held no fears for Jack – he was a double winner during his time at the school.

After completing the course, he was joined by Farm Africa's Sarah Goddard to present the prizes.