More than 4,000 schoolchildren joined the Mayor of Barnet to walk a “golden kilometre” on Thursday.

The walk on Thursday, 16 March involved students from primary schools across the borough who are part of the ConnectED Partnership of school in the area.

The Mayor of Barnet Cllr David Longstaff, holding a golden baton, travelled one kilometre between five venues with the schoolchildren, who were all wearing gold to mark the event.

Woodcroft Primary headteacher Craig Tallon said: “This event was a fantastic way of encouraging our children to keep fit and healthy and leave them energised and ready to learn.”

The Mayor’s Golden Kilometre initiative was launched in 2015 to encourage primary schools to take part in more physical activity on their school grounds or nearby green space.

Cllr Caroline Stock said: “The Mayor of Barnet’s Golden Kilometre initiative is trying to tackle the issue of childhood obesity and encourage children to do a daily kilometre and change their lifestyle. It’s simple, costs nothing and works.

“Children don’t need special equipment or a change of clothing, they simply go out of the classroom for 15 minutes and complete one kilometre.”

The initiative, designed to improve children’s health, concentration and classroom behaviour, is supported by Saracens Sport foundation, England Athletics and Middlesex University, along with other local authority bodies.