TEACHERS and pupils’ parents swam, rode and ran, some for the first time since their own school days, to raise £1,000 for The Croft Primary School.

The school’s parent teacher association has only been in existence for six months, but has already raised £3,000 for new outdoor equipment.

As part of the fundraising head Candida Hutchinson led a team of 40 in Highworth Sprint Triathlon, which involved a 400-metre swim, a 20km bike ride and 5km run to finish.

Their efforts will deliver a wicker castle den, play benches and additions to a traversing wall forpupils.

“When we signed up to the triathlon we wanted to show them that we, as adults, are personally challenged too,” said Candida.

“I hadn’t been on a bike since school. Some of the parents either did all of it or some of it in relay teams.

“The whole thing was so rewarding – those who did bits this year want to do the whole thing next year.

“We were really pleased with the amount of money raised. We had seven relay team and one of ours was actually the fastest team on the day.

“A lot of us did all the disciplines and that was really hard. It’s the speed at which you have to get out of the pool and on to the bikes.

“You can’t put your makeup on or straighten your hair, you keep going.

The event was chosen by Wendy Tucker, a parent and member of the PTA, who was also responsible for the founding of an after-school running club for parents and staff.

With £3,000 already raised for playground improvements, two funds will be contributed to by the PTA in the future.

One will be used for projects from which the pupils will see an immediate benefitand the second will be used for a longer-term project, which is likely to be the purchase of a minibus.