Pupils at Snape Primary School have saddled up and gone the extra mile – to cycle the distance Syrian refugees are forced to take to reach safety.

East Anglian Daily Times: Children at Snape Primary School have taken part in a challenge to cycle the distance it takes a Syrian refugee to walk to safety Picture: SARAH LUCY BROWNChildren at Snape Primary School have taken part in a challenge to cycle the distance it takes a Syrian refugee to walk to safety Picture: SARAH LUCY BROWN (Image: Archant)

Students, parents and staff from the east Suffolk primary have now completed 225 miles on a static bike, the equivalent of an average walk taken by people in war-torn Syria to access safer areas.

The gruelling ride - which proved harder than the school had anticipated - was initiated by key stage one and early years teacher Tracy Clinton.

"All of the children have been working hard and topping up little bits," she said.

"Even the reception students have been doing between half a mile and a mile.

East Anglian Daily Times: Children at Snape Primary School have taken part in a challenge to cycle the distance it takes a Syrian refugee to walk to safety Picture: SARAH LUCY BROWNChildren at Snape Primary School have taken part in a challenge to cycle the distance it takes a Syrian refugee to walk to safety Picture: SARAH LUCY BROWN (Image: Archant)

"We have worked tirelessly."

The idea for the bike ride came from the school's recent Sports Week, where pupils learnt about the importance of wellbeing and giving back.

Despite a few bumps in the road, the youngsters persevered to get closer to their goal.

"It takes quite a lot of effort to ride the bike," Ms Clinton added.

East Anglian Daily Times: Children at Snape Primary School have taken part in a challenge to cycle the distance it takes a Syrian refugee to walk to safety Picture: SARAH LUCY BROWNChildren at Snape Primary School have taken part in a challenge to cycle the distance it takes a Syrian refugee to walk to safety Picture: SARAH LUCY BROWN (Image: Archant)

"We didn't really realise what a task it would be. It takes a lot of work."

"They have come in at play times to come and have a go."

Staff also got involved taking their share of the challenge - with some parents also clocking up the extra miles during the school's recent sports day.

"It's been a real community effort," said Ms Clinton.

All the money which has been raised by the cycle ride will be used to buy supplies for the Happy Caravan School, which offers education for Syrian refugees in Greece.

They provide daily classes and activities such as English, art and cinema for over 80 children.

"The children were really thinking about what they could give them," said Ms Clinton.

"Something that was universal like the art materials and picture books."

"It doesn't matter what language you speak everybody can tell what the story is by reading picture books," said one of the pupils.

So far the school has raised around £150 from the cycling and a charity dress up day.

"The children have learnt that we can find real enjoyment from helping others," Ms Clinton added.

You can still donate to the school's fundraiser by visiting their JustGiving page.