Pupils at Oyster Park Junior School, Ferry Fryston, scooped first place in the race, with Ackworth Howard J&I School coming second, and Ackworth pupils Jessica Beachill and Jed Wilkinson scooping the individual first places.

More than 90 children from 13 schools across the district took part in the event at Pugneys Country Park in Wakefield last Wednesday.

The 1.6 mile race was one of a number of activities leading up to this year's Wakefield Festival of Food, Drink and Rhubarb which started in the Cathedral Precinct on Friday.

Lisa Dodd, Wakefield Council's service director for sport and culture, said: "We wanted to do something wacky and different that really got the kids involved and this seemed perfect.

"It went really well and as well as helping children to keep fit, it also proved to be an educational experience because it got them talking about rhubarb and Wakefield's history."

Ms Dodd said she was keen to build on the success of this year's event, adding: "Next year we want to turn it into a mass participation event and get parents involved."

Teams of six pupils had to leg it around the lake with sticks of the bright pink vegetable. Prizes were awarded to the first three teams to have four runners cross the finish line with their rhubarb.

Mavis Borrell, headteacher of Oyster Park, said: "The children attend running club twice a week and their hard work has definitely paid off. It was nice that so many parents turned out to support them too."

A special assembly was held at the Ferry Fryston school in the team's honour, when they were re-presented with the trophy, certificates and medals. There were also prizes for Ackworth Howard pupils Jed Wilkinson and Jessica Beachill.

Jed, nine, said: "I am really happy. I didn't think I would win because I was only third at one point, but I managed to catch them up, which is great."

Jessica, 11, said: "I thought I would be at the back, so I am really pleased I won, and it was really good fun."