A DEDICATED headteacher has joined forced with other school heads to raise money for a very worthy challenge.

Jonathan Perry from Lambrook School in Ascot raised over £9,000 by riding, hiking and canoeing for Place2Be, a children's mental health charity which supports emotional resilience and wellbeing in schools.

A total of 21 preparatory schools across Berkshire took part to complete the 'Dawn to Dusk' challenge and collectively, have raised over £86,500.

The charity prioritises mental health support, helping children cope with wide-ranging and social issues including bullying, bereavement, domestic violence, family breakdowns, neglect and trauma.

READ MORE: Ludgrove headteacher from Wokingham takes part in Place2Be charity

Jonathan Perry, headteacher said: "Having been inspired by our children here on a daily basis, it only seemed fitting for me to follow their example by taking on this gruelling challenge with 20 other Heads (including three others from the Windsor/Ascot area) for such a worthy cause.

"It was exhausting on occasion, particularly whilst cycling up the ridiculously steep Pembrokeshire hills, but also tremendous fun, and extremely uplifting in our common desire to raise funds for Place to Be."

Place2Be is a national charity with an aim to improve mental wellbeing of children.

The charity believe children should not have to face mental health problems alone and want to make sure children have access to support so they can thrive in education.

The challenge has been generously sponsored by Featherstone Partners, an investment management firm that offers tax-efficient school fee planning advice.