TIES and blazers were replaced by capes and wands at Bolton School's annual fancy dress charity fun run.

Harry Potter was just one of the characters providing inspiration for costumes at the event, which saw 200 boys aged 7-11 from Bolton School running round the sports field at the Chorley New Road school.

Working in tag pairs, the boys completed as many laps as they could, encouraged by parents and family and accompanied by members of the teaching staff.

Deputy headteacher, Mr Fergus Morris, who dressed as Gandalf for the occasion, said: “This is always one of the most hotly anticipated events in the calendar – it gives the boys a chance to have a bit of fun and to burn off some energy after a week of exams whilst gently reminding them of the need to help charities and those less fortunate than themselves.”

This year's chosen charities are Macmillan Cancer Support, Make a Wish UK and the RSPCA.

The money made through sponsorship has not all been counted yet but previous years have raised between £7,000 and £10,000 per.

The sports field was a blaze of colour thanks to the colourful costumes. With the band reuniting for a tour, the Spice Girls were a particular favourite - especially amongst members of staff who fully entered into the spirit of things by dressing-up.

Alongside the usual footballers and superheroes, such as Batman, Captain America, Superman and Spiderman, the boys also dressed as Dennis the Menace, Mario, Robin Hood and sumo wrestlers. They were even joined by a range of food, including pizza slices, bananas, a peach and a fried egg.

Her Majesty The Queen was one of the runners, as was fantastic Mr Fox. Teacher Mr Winstanley, who has just been selected for the GB water polo squad, dressed in a diving costume.

Given former pupil Sir Ian McKellen was in town over the weekend and visited the school to celebrate his 80th birthday at a reunion on Friday afternoon, it was fitting that there were several Gandalfs.

And, perhaps, inspired by Sir Ian's love of Shakespeare, one boy even dressed as a wall from A Midsummer Night's Dream.