These children were happy to stay behind after school and take part in the Global Jog.

Thousands of people across the world joined the Race Against Time organised in 1986 by Bob Geldof for Sport Aid, raising money for famine victims in Africa.

The picture (right) shows children at St Nicholas School, Old Marston, Oxford, setting off on their run, one of dozens of events organised in Oxfordshire.

People of all ages and from all backgrounds got together in towns and villages, in streets and fields, to do their bit for the cause.

The Oxford Mail reported: “A few hundred pounds here, a few thousands there, even just the pocket money given by the youngest of toddlers, all went towards the millions given by the people of the world for Sport Aid.”

One of the biggest events in Oxfordshire was the Oxford City Sport Aid Run at Shotover Park at Headington, which attracted more than 1,000 runners aged from three to 62.

Entry fees alone raised more than £2,000 and with sponsorship on top, co-organiser Penny Le Besque was confident they would raise at least £10,000.

Other fundraising events were held at Redefield Sports Centre at Blackbird Leys, Oxford Old Boys’ Rugby Club in Marston Ferry Road, and at Wesley Green Middle School, Blackbird Leys, Peers School, Littlemore, Icknield School, Watlington, and Bartholomew School, Eynsham.