Students and teachers at St Dunstan's School in Glastonbury have come together to form a running club to boost their physical and mental health.

While the country was in lockdown, a group of teachers at St Dunstan's took to running regularly - both for physical exercise and to foster good mental health.

As restrictions started to lift, they formed a Monday Running Club together. Having enjoyed the running and the company so much, they undertook the Glastonbury 10k Road Run event and were sponsored to raise money for Asthma UK in memory of former student Amy Thomas.

Now, they are keen to share their enjoyment of running with students and Year 11 have been invited to join the Monday Running Club. Monday (September 20) saw the maiden run of the group and was a great success.

Head teacher Lynda Bevan told Glastonbury Nub News: "At St Dunstan's, our core values are Truth, Resilience, Awareness and Kindness - they underpin everything we do and we use them to stay on TRAK.

"The running club aligns with our values in that students and staff are truthful about their levels of fitness and the benefits - both physical and mental - that the club can bring.

"Resilience is certainly required to get started and then stick with it - there are independent runs to complete in between club sessions. Running is also a great stress release so will help Year 11 manage their stress and build resilience as they prepare for their GCSEs.

"Awareness of each other's level of fitness is needed to ensure that everyone feels they can run at their own pace and support each other, and kindness is vital - being kind to themselves and each other as they tackle each new run and welcome new members to the group."

The group is being coached through the NHS Couch to 5K programme by Year 11 tutors, Mrs Gregory and Mrs Manning.

They said: "We're so proud of our Year 11 Running Club.

"TRAK values underpin everything we are doing in this club each week. Running is great for mental and physical health, and it's wonderful to be able to support one another throughout.

"The students have some more repeat runs to do independently before next Monday and we are hoping to compete as a group at an event following graduation from the programme in nine weeks."