Pupils will be walking across the solar system in a fundraising challenge to raise money for two charities.

On September 23, Year 5 pupils from St Augustine’s RC Primary School will take on a special ‘Walk the Planets’ event, at Darlington's South Park, to raise funds for Hearing Dogs for Deaf People and the Darlington group of the Handicapped Children’s Pilgrimage Trust.

With 'The Planets' as the walk's theme, the children will set off from 'The Sun' and call at eight stopping points along the route at distances corresponding to the actual distance of each of the planet from the Sun.

At each of these planets groups of youngsters will present pre-prepared talks about the respective celestial body to their friends.

At the end of the walk there will be music and songs with Durham Music Services, talks for the children on the Solar System, from the Handicapped Children’s Pilgrimage Trust, and a talk and demonstration by Hearing Dogs for Deaf People.

Organisers The Institute of Physics hope this will become an annual event, which introduces youngsters to the world of physics in a fun, active way while bringing benefit to local charities.

Angelina Anderson-Groves, Branch Chair of IOP North East, said: “This is the first of what we hope will become an annual event, and something that other IOP branches can do in their areas, combining fun, fitness and furry friends with physics and a chance for the children to learn more about the planets.

“The children were challenged to complete a 5k walk, for which they sought sponsorship, and at key points around the route they are able to find out about our solar system.

“We also have volunteers from Hearing Dogs for Deaf People, including Hearing Dog ‘Vimmie’, to talk to the youngsters about what the impact being deaf can have and how the charity trains dogs to alert a deaf person to specific sounds such as the doorbell or smoke alarm.

“It’s a charity very close to my heart, as I am deaf and eagerly waiting to be matched with my own Hearing Dog.”