More than 400 primary schoolchildren raised £2,800 to help those without homes through a sponsored walk in Molly Quirk’s Glen, Onchan.

As part of Onchan Primary School’s ’Walk to School Week’, the students marked World Mental Health day by doing their whole school walk through the glen.

The event was in aid of Housing Matters and school funds.

Leah Crowe, who teaches Year 6 students (ages 10-11), said: ’After Housing Matters visited our school last year, the children have become more aware of the homeless problem on the island, especially the issue of "sofa surfing".

’The children were very curious when the visitors came in and were interested in how they can help stop homelessness on the Isle of Man.’

She added: ’This was our first whole school sponsored walk, however after the success of the event, we would love to make it annual.’

As part of the ’Walk to School Week’, the schoolchildren were not only encouraged to walk to school but they took part in school work-outs and were given healthy snacks.

Molly Quirk’s Glen is between Whitebridge Road and Little Mill in the village. It is joined onto Groudle Glen and Bibaloe Walk.