FRENSHAM Heights School turned out en masse this week for its annual ten kilometre charity walk – and brought a splash of summery yellow to the autumnal country lanes near their school.

More than 500 staff, students and family members donned items of yellow clothing as part of the #HelloYellow campaign to support children and young people’s mental health awareness.

The event was held in the run up to World Mental Health Day, which is today (Thursday).

And through individual sponsorship, students also chose to raise funds for Plastic Oceans UK, an organisation which aims to stop plastic contaminating the world’s oceans within a generation.

“The annual autumn walk is a key date in the Frensham calendar,” said headteacher Rick Clarke.

“It is our chance to come together as a school community and think of others as well as raising money and awareness about the charities which are close to our heart.”

Children from nursery to Year 3 ambled through the grounds of Frensham Heights, while the rest of the school ventured on a 10k walk to Frensham Ponds and beyond. Staff dogs also joined in the fun.

The annual walk has been taking place for the best part of a decade and ties in with the school’s belief in the importance of outdoor education.

This term, Frensham Heights is celebrating five years of being the only school in the country to hold the prestigious Gold Standard award for outdoor education, accredited by the Association of Heads of Outdoor Education Centres.

“We believe that activities outside the classroom lead to greater success within it,” said Rick.

“We are very proud to hold this award.”