A GROUP of schoolchildren took to the streets of Torfaen today to raise money for two charities.
The youngsters, all pupils at Garnteg primary school in Garndiffaith, took advantage of the afternoon sunshine to walk the four miles from the village to Pontypool, in aid of autism charity Hope GB, and Cancer Research Wales.
The walk was the idea of pals Madison Preece, Madison Greaney and Melisha Black, all aged 10, who were joined by Morgan Greaney, Ché Preece, Polly Maund, and - in his pushchair - Jacob Greaney.
"We were all sitting around one day and just decided we'd like to do a walk for charity," said Madison Greaney, whose sister Jess lives with autism.
Hope GB, a voluntary support group helping families, carers and associates of autistic children, has a presence in Torfaen and has helped Jess and other members of her family.
Cancer Research Wales, based at Velindre Hospital in Cardiff, supports cancer research projects in Wales.
The children, suitably decked out in charity t-shirts and accompanied by their mums, wore bright colours, blew whistles, and collected donations in buckets along the way. They look set to have raised a sum well into three figures.
"They've had a great time and the response has been fantastic," said Hannah Furlow, mum of Madison Preece, who last Christmas raised money for more than 30 presents for people who faced a homeless and lonely festive season, then gave up part of her Christmas morning to deliver them to a gathering at Cwmbran community centre.
"They thought of doing this themselves, and they'd raised a good amount before today, so they've done really well."