The annual event raises funds for local charities and this year the Rocky Appeal, organised by Portsmouth Hospitals, was one to benefit.

The charity plans to build a cancer laboratory, the first of its kind in the UK. This will be a centre for research, revolutionising cancer care and treatment.

Butser Hill is a commanding sight and instantly recognisable to those living in the area.

The idea of racing up the hill, a Grade A listed Fell Race, takes the breath away but it represented an irresistible challenge to accomplished athletes and local schoolchildren alike.

The children at Bedales Junior School, Dunhurst, were no exception and entered an impressive team of 26 eight to 12-year-olds, with competitors in all year groups.

All the children finished the race but it was 12-year-old Ellie Catton who did especially well, coming second in the Year 6/7 race. She received a trophy and a medal.

Ellie, who holds the school's record for the under-11 girls' 600 metres, came second in the under-11 girls' cross-country at Highfield School in February.

She said: 'It was a tough race but very enjoyable – I'm looking forward to running it again next year.'