CHILDREN at a primary school had their bats at the ready for a charity 12-hour rounders marathon.

Youngsters from Wheatley Primary School were joined by parents, community leaders, parish councillors and police officers at Wednesday’s event.

The event was in aid of Sponsor a Mother, a charity providing “mobile mums”, who go out and care for children orphaned in South Africa.

School headteacher Joan Morters said: “We always do a summer charity event and this year one of our parents asked if we could support Sponsor a Mother.

“Normally, we do things like non-uniform days but we thought that was a bit boring so we decided to do something a bit healthier and more fun that other people could join in with too.”

The match started at 8am and continued without stopping until 8pm, with new members swapping into the red and green teams throughout the day.

Every pupil in the school took part, playing in half-hour stints despite sweltering conditions.

They are currently totting up the money raised.