A FUNDRAISING fun run and a host of family activities are set to take place to help pay school fees for students from poor families in Africa.

The event, which includes 5k and 10k runs, will take place at Brightlingsea Sports Centre on Sunday to raise cash for Porridge and Pens.

Alongside the runs are demonstrations and performances at the sports centre from local groups, including the Colne School of Dance, Brightlingsea Karate Club, Brightlingsea Cheerleading Troupe and Pulse Performers.

Porridge and Pens is a local charity set up by three sisters to support education projects in Ghana, such as paying school fees for children from poorer families, and helping fund an orphanage.

Last year two leisure centre staff members, Vandi Rathbone and Gregg Weaver, took on the Ghana Half Marathon in Accra for the charity, and visited its projects, raising more than £6,000.

Keen to carry on supporting the charity Vandi has this year organised the fun run, which starts and finishes at the Tendring Council-run sports centre.

Mick Skeels, Tendring’s councillor responsible for sport and leisure at the council, said: “It is always lovely to hear about the fundraising efforts of our staff - and how involved they get to support good causes they are passionate about.

“We are happy to support events such as these with our facilities, which also encourage people to explore their local leisure centre and get active – as well as raising cash and awareness for a great charity.

“I wish Vandi all the best with the day and hope that together with the support of the public, lots of money is raised for Porridge and Pens.”

The event takes place from 9am to 2pm and there are still a handful of places left for the runs. There is no entry available on the day and all runners must be aged 16 or over. To sign up, go to porridgeandpens.org/join-the-fun-run.