STAFF and pupils from Largs Academy put their best foot forward to raise money for charity.

And the overcast weather certainly didn't dampen spirits as you can see from the winning smiles, as the academy embarked on its fifth annual fundraiser for Mary's Meals.

The run got underway after school at the Lifeboat Station at 3.45pm on Friday, October 4.

Geography teacher Gareth Atkinson, the event’s organiser, praised the pupils for their willingness to get behind the idea in their droves.

Timecheck: Mary's Meal 5k gets underway under starter's ordersTimecheck: Mary's Meal 5k gets underway under starter's orders (Image: Charlie Gilmour)

He said: “The time that participants complete the distance in isn't really relevant - it's the taking part and raising money for a good cause that really counts.

"This is the fifth consecutive year that the school has organised this event, and it's great to see that there's still so much enthusiasm in our school community for supporting the work of Mary's Meals."

Mary’s Meals is an international charity that sets up school feeding programmes in some of the world’s poorest communities, where hunger and poverty prevent children from gaining an education.

Team effort: Academy pupils and staff were put through their paces for a very good cause.Team effort: Academy pupils and staff were put through their paces for a very good cause. (Image: Charlie Gilmour)

They operate in 18 different countries across the world and feed over 2.4 million children every school day, and you can pay £19.15 to feed a child for a whole year.

Since moving to the new school campus in 2018, Largs Academy has raised more than £29,000 for the charity, and hope that this year’s event will take that figure over £30,000.

Feeling champion: Mary's Meal 5k brought out best in pupilsFeeling champion: Mary's Meal 5k brought out best in pupils (Image: Charlie Gilmour)

To donate to the fundraiser, visit justgiving.com/page/largs-academy-5k-marys-meals-2004.

A total of £2,545 has been raised so far, smashing the initial £1,000 target two and a half times over.

Keep on running: Plenty of determination on show in 5k event on Largs seafrontKeep on running: Plenty of determination on show in 5k event on Largs seafront (Image: Charlie Gilmour) Smiles Better: Clocking up the miles on Largs PromSmiles Better: Clocking up the miles on Largs Prom (Image: Charlie Gilmour) Steps to success: Largs Academy 5k successSteps to success: Largs Academy 5k success (Image: Charlie Gilmour) A fantastic fundraiser along Largs seafrontA fantastic fundraiser along Largs seafront (Image: Charlie Gilmour) Thumbs up: Mary's Meals fundraiser and Academy staffThumbs up: Mary's Meals fundraiser and Academy staff (Image: Charlie Gilmour) Making a difference: Lots of pupils got involved in fundraiserMaking a difference: Lots of pupils got involved in fundraiser (Image: Charlie Gilmour) Running focus: There was plenty of willingness from pupils taking part in Mary's Meals 5kRunning focus: There was plenty of willingness from pupils taking part in Mary's Meals 5k (Image: Charlie Gilmour) Attitude and effort was on display at Mary's Meals 5kAttitude and effort was on display at Mary's Meals 5k (Image: Charlie Gilmour) Here we go: Mary's Meal 5k gets underway in grey skies, but Academy certainly didn't feel blue!Here we go: Mary's Meal 5k gets underway in grey skies, but Academy certainly didn't feel blue! (Image: Charlie Gilmour)