CORONATION Street star Jane Danson was a big hit back at her old school in Radcliffe on Saturday (June 13).

Jane, who plays tearaway Leanne Battersby in the soap which has secured a special niche in the national psyche, launched the annual fun run fund-raiser at St Andrew's CE Primary School on Graves Street.

Her appearance boosted the run and also the summer fair which took place on the same afternoon. Both events were designed to boost school coffers.

St Andrew's headteacher Mrs Alwen Bowes said: "We are very grateful to Jane for her warm support.

"She told us that she was very willing to give her time since her school days at St Andrew's had all been happy ones."

The fun run took place over a two-mile course, mainly farmland, close to the school site. A total of 200 people took part and every finisher received a commemorative medal.

Jane, a pupil at the school between 1984 and 1991, started the race and then took part in it. Afterwards she presented trophies and prizes to the winners and signed autographs in aid of Footsteps Playgroup which is based at St Andrew's.

Mrs Bowes added: "Although it was a very wet day, both the fun run and the summer fair were very well supported by parents and friends.

"Although the amount raised from the fun run is not yet finalised, since many children were sponsored, we confidently expect the total raised from the run to be around £400.

"Coupled with the amount raised at the summer fair it is almost £2,000."

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