Sore feet and aching limbs were a small price to pay as staff and students completed a 100-mile charity walk.

The trek was completed over five days to raise money to create a new common room and an American diner at Meadowfield School.

Walkers started out last Monday from Appledore near Ashford and made their way back to the school in 20-mile stages along Saxon Shore Way.

They started and finished at a designated point on each day, returning on every occasion to their Sittingbourne base.

Four staff did the full 100-miles, with 14 sixth-form students completing up to a total of 15 miles each.

Their efforts have raised £3,500, enough for the building of a common room, with future fundraisers in the pipeline to secure the £15,000 needed for the diner.

For the final leg of the journey on Saturday, staff and students walked from Sittingbourne station to the school in Swanstree Avenue, carrying buckets to boost donations.

Teacher Maria Butcher, who helped coordinate the walk, said during the week a youngster called Ashley achieved a personal target, walking 10 miles over two days without the aid of her wheelchair.

She said: “At the end of the last five miles the tears rolled because she was so exhausted and proud that she had done it.

“This was a fantastic experience for staff and students and it really showed the kids’ spirit and determination.”