MORE than 150 schoolchildren put their stamina to the test during a charity fun run yesterday.

Runners from Billingham Campus School did their bit to raise money for good causes when they took part in the mini-marathon, at Gosforth Racecourse, in Newcastle.

The fun run raises cash for Cancer Research, but this year the annual event was also helping to promote Worldwide Foot Health Awareness Month.

Chiropodists from across the region were available to provide foot care advice to the public.

They also ran a Big Foot competition for children with prizes on offer including gift vouchers, a scooter and a signed Newcastle United football.

Catherine Bentley, a senior podiatrist with North Tees Primary Care Trust, said: "Throughout the month of May we are promoting Foot Health Awareness and this is now an international event.

"The fun run gives us the opportunity to remind people about this important aspect of health.

"Most people know the importance of fitting children's shoes properly and older people know they should seek professional help when they have feet problems.

"But there is a large section of the population, aged between these groups, that would appreciate advice about preventing foot problems.

"Special activities will enable us to give that advice."