Ipswich Town FC mascot Bluey visits schools near Bury St Edmunds and Thetford as part of Daily Mile ahead of derby on December 16

Children have been delighted that Ipswich Town FC mascot Bluey joined them for their daily mile.

With the help of primary schools, Bluey the Suffolk Punch has run the distance from Carrow Road, the home of Norwich City FC, to Portman Road, in Ipswich, over two weeks ahead of the Norwich vs Ipswich derby tomorrow.

Earlier this week Great Whelnetham C of E Primary, near Bury St Edmunds, and Elveden C of E Primary Academy, near Thetford, welcomed Bluey to take part in their daily mile.

The Daily Mile is an initiative schools can get involved with and sees children run or jog – at their own pace – in the fresh air with friends.

Claire Masson, sports leader at Great Whelnetham Primary, said: “The Daily Mile is a social, physical activity with children running, jogging or walking so we were delighted when Ipswich Town said they were partnering with Active Suffolk to promote the Daily Mile initiative.

“Our school holds a gold accreditation in the School Games Mark scheme and our children totally love being active so to run their daily mile with the much-loved Bluey was particularly special!

“All children in the school took part and were thrilled to be able to compete against the mascot, who we have to say was pretty exhausted by the end!

“As a reward for the support and guidance provided by our sports leaders, they were able to have their photo taken with Bluey to round off what was a very active and exciting morning.”

Zoe Maguire, PE Lead at Elveden Primary, said: "At Elveden, all staff and pupils are passionate advocates for physical activity and all truly understand its benefits to how we feel, behave and learn together.

“With our OPAL play/lunch times and Daily Mile 're-boots' in the afternoon, we have proved we are totally committed to exceeding the Government's initiative of 30 minutes a day of physical activity in school.

"We have great connections with Ipswich Town Football Club and enjoy the coaching sessions and extra curricular clubs they provide for our children at Elveden.

“All ITFC coaches work alongside teachers to deliver high-quality PE lessons where the children work on key skills.”