An awfully great adventure (From Gazette & Herald)

An awfully great adventure

YOUNGSTERS from a Ryedale school took part in an epic adventure to celebrate its 75th anniversary - by walking, running or cycling more than 50 miles.

About 60 children aged from seven to 13, and a dozen teachers and parents from Woodleigh School, Langton, trekked from Hessle in Hull back to Ryedale along the Wolds Way to recreate an event in the school's history.

"During the Second World War, the school had to move from Hessle out of danger," said teacher Jill Murkett. "A new home was found at Langton, and the teachers were given three days to pack the school up and move. They had a truck for all the equipment, but the staff and children had to walk. The story goes that they took ponies, a donkey, pet calf and a dog called Rags with them."

Walkers started out from Hessle on May 7 for a three-day trek, runners set out on May 8 for a two-day adventure, and cyclists on May 9 for a route they completed in a day.

Walkers and runners were brought back to Ryedale from the point they had reached at the end of each day, and then taken back the following day so they could continue their journey.

Pupils who walked 51 miles were Guy Gilliat, William Megginson, Ricky Chiu, Rebecca Gilliat, Isobel Procter, Mairi Aitken, Alex Bennett-Baggs and Heather Watson.

In two days, Karan Subedi ran 51 miles, George Nutt ran 48 miles and Toby Williams ran 45 miles. Anthony Hibberd walked an impressive 35 miles in two days, and then cycled 50 in a day. George and Sam Harrison cycled the route in one day.

Of the adults that took part, Gordon McDiarmid walked the route in three days, Emma Nutt ran 34 miles in two days, Paul Nutt ran 39 miles in two days, and Nigel Murkett and P B Woolley cycled the route in a day.

Parent Fenella Gilliat drove a support vehicle and supplied refreshments. Youngsters collected sponsorship for their efforts and raised more than £400 for school projects.

Updated: 12:13 Wednesday, May 26, 2004