Five primary schools from the Ashby de la Zouch and Coalville region - all part of the Rise Multi Academy Trust - have taken part in a virtual mission to collectively run the distance from the heart of Leicestershire to the top of Lapland.

And their efforts were to raise funds for Rainbows Hospice for Children and Young People.

Pupils from Blackfordby St Margaret's, Oakthorpe CofE Primary School, Albert Village, Viscount Beaumont School in Coalville and Swannington, joined over 1,000 pupils and staff from across Rise's network of schools put on their Santa hats and trainers to take part in runs around their communities.

By adding the distance that every individual completed together, they collectively ran over 2,200 miles.

Mark Cole, CEO of Rise, said: "This was an epic mission on every level, and our children and colleagues should be applauded for the spirit that they entered into this challenge.

Pupils from Albert Village warn up for the fundraiser

"Most of all though, this showed our children what can be achieved when we work together. Individually their efforts are impressive, but when all of these efforts are combined the outcome is something special."

The four schools logged the distance that children and staff at their schools covered, and this was then added to a virtual route that went to the south of England, through northern France, across Netherlands, into Germany then up through Denmark and Sweden.

They then crossed into Finland before reaching the home of Santa himself.

The schools could log on to the virtual tracker to monitor their collective progress – and get a quick geography lesson at the same time.

Mr Cole added: "Our motto as a Trust is to "flourish and succeed" and our children not only achieved their goal but also loved working together. This was such an important team effort for such an important cause."

The route taken for the virtual trip to see Santa's home

It is expected that up to £4000 will be raised for the hospice as a result of their efforts. Gary Farnfield, Rainbows Community Fundraiser, praised Rise and its schools for their efforts to raise funds for Rainbows.

Mr Farnfield added: "We are delighted that Rise's schools have completed the Leicestershire to Lapland challenge! How they have worked together to support our vital work has been heartening and really brings home the spirit of the festive season."