THE second day of the Swindon Schools’ Sport Relief challenge kicked off with a 20-mile cycle around the town, taking in some familiar sights.

Eighteen headteachers and members of staff took part in the ride, which took just over two hours to complete.

They began their journey from Robert Le Kyng Primary School at 9.30am and set off on a route designed so they would have to ride past other schools in the town. Some schools had children waiting outside so they could cheer the teachers as they rode past.

With many roads still slippery with ice early in the day, the route put the teachers’ cycling skills to the test.

Tim Smith, assistant headteacher of Abbey Meads Primary and organiser, who cycled in the event, said: “To see so much smiling was great, even though it was a challenge riding in this cold weather.

“It was fantastic seeing the children. You could see the excitement in their faces and it just lifted everyone’s spirits and gave us all that push to keep going.”

More than 44 schools across the town are raising money for Sport Relief all this week, as well as raising the profile of school sports.

“We are trying to lead from the front and set an example for the kids. Hopefully they will see that if us oldies can do it, then so can they,” said Tim.

The ride was a circular route, and as the cyclists approached the final few metres back to Robert Le Kyng school, they were welcomed by a crowd of animated pupils.

Yesterday also saw other schools taking part in physical activities, with teachers and pupils from Even Swindon Primary running to Robert Le Kyng and a group from St Francis delivering the baton to Oakhurst Primary School.

Today sees head Rose Carberry host a keep fit session and aerobics class at Westlea Primary, while more schools will be travelling across town to keep the school to school challenge going.

To donate visit www.justgiving.com/fundraising/rose-carberry3