SIX Chester school friends went the extra mile to support this year's Children in Need appeal.

The eight-year-old pupils from Upton Heath CE Primary School dusted off their walking boots and Pudsey ears in preparation for a sponsored Children in Need ‘Walk to the Border’ ramble, raising an incredible £1,000 for the BBC charity.

Youngsters from Upton Heath CE Primary raised £1,000 for Children in Need thanks to a sponsored walk.

Youngsters from Upton Heath CE Primary raised £1,000 for Children in Need thanks to a sponsored walk.

Doubling their £500 fundraising target, the Year 4 pupils successfully completed a walk along the Millennium Greenway – from Kingsway to the Welsh border and back again – covering almost nine miles.

Joined by family, friends and dogs, the girls were inspired to fundraise for this amazing charity, having been moved by how hard life can be for some children less fortunate than themselves.

Youngsters from Upton Heath CE Primary raised £1,000 for Children in Need thanks to a sponsored walk.

Youngsters from Upton Heath CE Primary raised £1,000 for Children in Need thanks to a sponsored walk.

Taking almost four hours to complete, the pupils embraced the challenge with open arms and in doing so, smashed their fundraising target, which continues to rise!

BBC Children in Need works tirelessly throughout the UK to help children and young people overcome a wide range of difficulties, by funding thousands of local charities and projects.

Youngsters from Upton Heath CE Primary raised £1,000 for Children in Need thanks to a sponsored walk.

Youngsters from Upton Heath CE Primary raised £1,000 for Children in Need thanks to a sponsored walk.

The Children in Need SPOTacular annual appeal in November inspires communities across the UK to come together, raise funds and show support – just as the Upton Heath girls did. BBC Children in Need believes that every child should have the chance to thrive and be the best they can be.

Despite the aching legs and tiredness creeping in after a long day of walking, the Upton Heath girls – and support crew – are delighted with the results of their fundraising walk and the big smiles at the end of the day said it all.

Keen to keep the donations coming in, the girls would like to share their JustGiving link for any further donations, however small, at https://www.justgiving.com/page/zillah-edwards-1696177816041

A spokesperson for Upton Heath CE School said: “Girls – where do we start, you have made such a difference to those children in need. We are very proud of you!”

Adam Langan, Cheshire West and Chester Council Cabinet Member for Children and Families, added: “Great to see a group of amazing young people fundraising for @BNCCiN. If you want to donate to this worthy cause, see the link above!”