Pupils from Hopton Primary School organised a fun run this week to help raise £100,000 to buy Knettishall Heath and assure its future as a public park and area of Special Scientific Interest.

Eight year old pupil Ashley Baker helped to organise the fun run, which came on the heels of news that public donations had reached the £100,000 milestone.

Ashley told the Diss Express: “I really like Knettishall Heath and, if I have children, I want my children to be able to play there like me. I like to visit Knettishall Heath with my friends in the summer, and my favourite bit is going down on the bank near the river to build mud pools and barricades.”

Fundraising efforts included Green Party councillor Mark Ereira-Guyer taking a dip in the icy waters of the little Ouse, as well as an enormous number of local residents sending in donations, which led to the £100,00 being raised in less than three weeks.

Julian Roughton, chief executive of the Suffolk Wildlife Trust, told the Bury Free Press: “Reaching £100,000 so quickly is a huge achievement and we want to thank everyone for their support. Well over 1,000 people sent in donations and many included memories and stories about Knettishall Heath and its importance to their family.”

Further donations can be made via 01473 890089 or to Suffolk Wildlife Trust.