Pupils at more than half of Sutton’s primary schools walk or run a mile a day as part of an initiative to improve their concentration.

The Daily Mile, a Scottish programme, has been shown to get children to a healthy body weight and improve their fitness.

It is one of a number of projects commissioned by Sutton Council.

So far 25 of the borough’s 44 schools have signed up to the Daily Mile.

Councillor Colin Stears, chair of adult social services and health committee: “Daily physical activity has a broad range of health and educational benefits including a healthy weight, improved emotional well-being, concentration, and behaviour.

"The Daily Mile is a great initiative that we fully support and we would ask all primary schools to get involved.”

Sam Birch, physical education coordinator and Year 3 teacher at Dorchester School in Worcester Park, said: “Children seem a lot more attentive after they have had a run.

"If they miss a day, you certainly notice the difference. I know of at least one pupil who has started running at the weekends with her mum.”