More than 55pc of Norfolk's secondary schools and colleges have already signed up to take part in the Climate Run at the Holkham Estate next month.

The organisers want as many students as possible to benefit from the day and, with places limited, are urging education providers to sign up as soon as possible.

In part three of our weekly previews to the Climate Run, reporter ADAM LAZZARI investigates how schools and colleges will benefit from the event.

A unique cultural and educational experience, a fun day out, an invaluable networking opportunity and the potential for young people to take the first steps towards an exciting, rewarding and life-changing career.

These factors and the guarantee of raising money for their own projects and a project in Kenya are cited by City College, Norwich principal Dick Palmer and deputy head of Cliff Park High School, Gorleston, Martin Philpot as reasons for their enthusiastic involvement in the Climate Run.

Mr Palmer said: 'I think the Climate Run is an absolutely fantastic idea and it is really important for students to be involved in events like this.

'It has a very clear agenda to highlight the importance of looking after our planet, and equally as important is getting young people together with industries in a fun environment.

'This event could be used as a catalyst for collaborative work between schools and colleges and industry, because with the support from Connexions going away opportunities for good career advice are much harder to find.'

Cliff Park High School has been aware of the Climate Run for months as it has worked with organisers, The Mason Trust, on the Jericho Project, which is raising money for three primary schools in Kenya.

Half of the money raised at the Climate Run will go towards this and half will go to environmental projects in each of the participating schools and colleges.

Mr Philpot said: 'The Climate Run will be a unique experience for our youngsters and I love the idea of combining physical activity with raising money.

'We have an eco club in our school and the Climate Run will be perfect for that group of youngsters who are involved in that.

'We are also targeting year nine and 10 students because the careers fair will be very engaging. Many students are not aware of the massive potential in Norfolk and meeting people from these industries directly will raise their aspirations.'

The Climate Run will be at the Holkham Estate on April 7, is the first event of its kind in the UK and will feature a fun run, video link to students in France and Germany holding their own Climate Runs, and an energy sector themed careers fair.

To register to take part visit www.theclimaterun.org.uk and keep an eye on The Times and our sister paper the EDP over the coming weeks to keep up-to-date with the Climate Run.