THEY are running across Europe to spread peace around the world, but their visit to Oxford was anything but peaceful.

During a lively trip to the city nine ambitious athletes, who are attempting to run with a lit torch from Ireland to Belarus dropped into Windmill Primary School in Headington on Friday morning.

The challengers explained to children that they are taking part in the Sri Chimnoy Peace Run – a global relay that seeks to promote international friendship and understanding.

Windmill Primary headteacher Lynn Knapp said: "It was great, it was a lovely event.

"The runners came from all around the world including the United States, Ukraine, Russia, France, Germany, Czech Republic and the UK.

"They did a great assembly telling the children why they were running and the route they were taking as well as showing them videos of runs from of previous years."

As well as the assembly, the pupils stood around the perimeter of the school fence while the runners ran past so children could touch the torch.

Lastly, before they set off again, the runners planted a rowan tree in front of the school as a symbol of peace.

The Peace Run was founded in 1987 by athlete, philosopher, artist and poet Sri Chimnoy.

Over 30 years the run has traversed more than 150 nations and territories and the torch has been carried an estimated 395,000 miles.

The Peace Run does not seek to raise money or highlight any political cause, but simply strives 'to create goodwill among peoples of all nations'.