RICHMOND MP Rishi Sunak took to the track to help a Richmond primary school boost its activity levels.

Mr Sunak joined pupils, staff and the Mayor of Richmond to formally declare open a new all-weather running surface at the town’s Methodist Primary School.

The track circles the school’s playing field and provides opportunities for staff, pupils and parents to be more physically active throughout the year.

Headteacher Sharon Stevenson said the initiative was a silver lining in the cloud of the pandemic.

She said: “After the first lockdown we looked at how we could do more learning outdoors and we have also become more aware of the importance of exercise for everyone’s physical and mental well-being."

She said the all-weather surface means the track can be used year-round and declared its opening as a 'wonderful day' for the school.

Mr Sunak said: “This is a superb initiative and it was great to join everyone on the track to celebrate this very welcome addition to the school’s facilities."