Footballers from Gillingham and Charlton Athletic ran with primary school pupils to encourage children to be more active.

Gills star Jake Hessenthaler and Andy Crofts, a former Gills player now with Charlton, were at Fairview Community Primary in Drewery Drive, Wigmore, for the launch of the Medway School Mile.

The programme aims to encourage children to take part in 15 minutes of exercise each day outside of the classroom to help their concentration, behaviour and health and wellbeing.

Head teacher Debbie Willis said: “As well as increasing children’s fitness levels, school sports activities can help to improve primary school children’s academic performance and social skills and create even more of a community spirit.

“Children have the choice of walking, jogging or running the mile, and each child will have their own record of how many miles they have completed throughout the year.

"We are the first school in Medway to launch this initiative, and we are looking forward to seeing our children flourish even more.”

Cllr David Brake, Medway Council head of public health, said: “We work closely with schools and children’s centres to promote a healthier lifestyle from an early age.

“The Medway School Mile is a new initiative which supports our work to keep children active and at a healthy weight.

“We will continue to do all we can to support children’s health and wellbeing, and I hope many more schools sign up.”

Cllr Howard Doe, head of community services, said: “The Medway School Mile is a great tool to help schools encourage children to be more active, and the benefits are huge.

“Just 15 minutes of fresh air and exercise can help improve children’s concentration and learning in the classroom."

For more information about the Medway School Mile, visit www.medway.gov.uk