A NEW running track has been opened in the grounds of a South Lakeland school by an acclaimed fell runner.

Milnthorpe’s Wendy Dodds, who has won a clutch of championship titles running for Clayton-le-Moors, officially declared the track at Storth primary open and led children on the inaugural Storth school mile accompanied by athletes from Dallam Running Club.

It is part of the school’s efforts to tackle childhood obesity and encourage mental well-being.

“Our track will be open to the whole community to use whenever they wish and is a further part in our efforts to improve the mental and physical well-being of children,” said head teacher Simon Brabant. “We allow our children the opportunity to feed lambs every spring and are in the process of getting funding for a new reflective area for people to enjoy when times are a little tough for whatever reason.”

Future plans include a new hive of bees, the creation of a duck pond and the adoption of two pre-loved goats – all in the hope they will engage the children, create a diversion and generate interest in the community.

The track has been joint funded by Moto, Tesco, Epic Events, the PTA and school budgetary funding.