A dozen teenagers competed in a three kilometre colour run to raise money for charity.

The 16 and 17-year-olds from St Albans, Hemel Hempstead and Hatfield were pelted with powdered paints as they took part in the run, at St Albans’ Girls’ School.

The team decided to donate money from the event, on August 5, to Willow, a national charity that helps ill, young adults.

The run was part of the students’ National Citizen Service (NCS), a programme that helps youths build skills for work and life.

Emily Wickenden, 16, a student at Loreto College, said: “What a fun way to raise money and top off the amazing NCS experience.

“I’ve gained so much from it, meeting new people, learning new skills and putting our fundraising ideas into practice for Willow. We’re all delighted with how much we’ve raised.”

The team was inspired to support Willow after visiting patients at Watford General Hospital.

The money raised will help Willow pay for ‘special days’ for seriously ill people aged between 16 and 40.

Florence Moffat, Willow’s assistant community fundraiser said: “We’re blown away by the students’ enthusiasm and ingenuity of their fundraising.

“It’s really wonderful to meet a group of young people so inspired to give back in this way.

"The amazing energy they have put into their fundraising will directly benefit other young people of the same age living with the harsh realities of a life-threatening illness, such as cancer, motor neurone disease, cystic fibrosis and Huntington’s disease.

“The money raised will go towards creating more special days. For many of our beneficiaries their day is the opportunity to return some normality to their lives. For others it is the last chance to fulfil a dream.

"But for all of them, a Special Day is a life-affirming experience that can lift spirits, reunify families and be a source of strength when it’s needed most.”