More than 1,200 students will run 8km in memory of a former pupil next Tuesday.

Pupils aged 11-18, parents and staff from Rickmansworth School are hoping to raise £6,000 in memory of Captain Tom Sawyer, a former pupil who was killed in Afghanistan earlier this year.

The race, which starts at 11am, is sponsored by Batchworth Park Golf Club and will be the fifth Rickmansworth School fundraising run.

Most of the money raised will be donated to Help for Heroes with the remainder going towards new trampolining facilities.

There will also be a competition for pupils to show off their golf skills. The winner will receive a year’s free membership of the golf club in a ceremony at Rickmansworth School later on.