Excited pupils welcomed a ‘local hero’ into school last week.

North Somerset Times: Portishead Primary School children welcomed Ben Smith.Portishead Primary School children welcomed Ben Smith. (Image: Archant)

Ben Smith, from Portishead, is running 401 marathons in as many days and took a brief moment when he was not out pounding the streets to pop in and chat to the youngsters.

He visited Portishead Primary School to talk about his incredible challenge, which is raising money for Stonewall and Kidscape charities – both of which support children who are victims of bullying.

A spokesman for the school said: “Pupils were treated to a question and answer session in the midst of Ben’s record-breaking challenge.

“Ben is aiming to complete a remarkable 401 marathons in the same number of days.

“He started his UK-wide venture in September last year and is now closing in on his target which will become a new world record.

“The main aim of the endurance extravaganza is to help stamp out bullying, something which Ben suffered from as a youngster.”

Ben hopes to raise £250,000 through his endeavours and he has now passed the 10,000-mile mark in his extraordinary effort.

He is being given a boost by pupils however, as they, along with some staff members, are lacing up their trainers and running 401 miles to support Ben’s marathon running feat.