Pupils and staff at a Suffolk school affected by the Reinforced Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (RAAC) crisis put aside their school's woes and put on fancy dress for a biennial fundraiser.

Nearly 2,000 students and staff from Farlingaye High School in Woodbridge walked an eight mile route around the town and along the river on Friday to raise money for local charities and improvements to the school's facilities.

READ MORE: Woodbridge scouts support Farlingaye school amid RAAC crisis

Their participation came despite the problems associated with so-called 'crumbling concrete' - or RAAC - after the school was identified as having the material in some buildings and had to partially shut.

East Anglian Daily Times: The walk stopped at Kingston playing field for lunchThe walk stopped at Kingston playing field for lunch (Image: Charlotte Bond)The situation led to the school having to find spaces that could be used as classrooms, including potentially the headteacher's office.

The Woodbridge community also rallied to help the school, including scouts and volunteers from the 5th Woodbridge Sea Scouts who installed a marquee for use as a sixth form common room.

READ MORE: Fancy dress fun as 2,000 students and staff take on eight-mile hike

The sponsored walk was planned with precision timings to ensure each year group set off at separate stages and the entourage stopped for lunch on Kingston playing field.

East Anglian Daily Times: The sponsored walk is a biennial eventThe sponsored walk is a biennial event (Image: Charlotte Bond)Outfits on show included superheroes, such as Superman and cartoon characters.

The smooth running of the event was enabled by staff members stationed along the route and other members of staff accompanying the walkers to keep them going. 

READ MORE: Woodbridge news

There were spot prizes for the best outfits and for the students who raised the most money. 

East Anglian Daily Times: L-r: Farlingaye staff Louise Gilmour, Chris Moran, headteacher Peter Smith and Laurinda Rudge dressed as builders to reflect the RAAC situationL-r: Farlingaye staff Louise Gilmour, Chris Moran, headteacher Peter Smith and Laurinda Rudge dressed as builders to reflect the RAAC situation (Image: Charlotte Bond)Headteacher Peter Smith said: “The sponsored walk is always a great opportunity for the school to showcase its amazing students, brilliant staff and to engage with our fantastic community.

"Students and staff have embraced the chance to raise money for charity and to do something different with their Friday and I don’t think I’ve ever seen so many fabulous fancy dress costumes as I have this morning."

"I hope we’ve brought some smiles to the people of Woodbridge today.”