SECONDARY school pupils swapped their uniforms for sports gear and prepared to get coated in powdered paint.

The Colour Run for pupils in Years 7, 8 and 9 at Tendring Technology College, Thorpe, was held in aid of two charities, Mid and North East Essex Mind and Lads Need Dads.

Pupils set off from the start line on the school field and challenged to run for 5k while having powdered paint hurled at them from volunteers armed with buckets of paint.

So far £1,650 has been raised for Mid and North East Essex Mind and £750 for Lads Need Dads, thanks to sponsorship or donations.

PE teacher Karen Harris organised the event.

She said: “This year has been especially difficult, especially for our fantastic students at Tendring Technology College.

“We would therefore like to raise as much money as possible.

“For our students, staff, families and communities, mental health support is incredibly important to us, and any money raised will go directly to the charities so they can continue with the amazing work they do for the local community.”

It is hoped a second colour run will take place at the school’s Frinton campus for Year 10 and 11 pupils.