CHILDREN carried buckets filled with water, danced at a disco, took on an assault course and jumped on a bouncy castle – all to raise money for Sport Relief.

Schoolchildren in Cumbria jumped into the spirit of the occasion as the three-day nationwide fundraising drive got underway.

At Robert Ferguson Primary School in Denton Holme, Carlisle, children dressed up as their favourite sport stars to raise extra cash for the cause.

Famous football players, tennis stars, ballerinas, runners and gymnasts all filled the school’s corridors and classrooms.

The main challenge of the day was the ‘Water Walk’, where children had to carry a bucket of water a mile, by going up and down the ball yard, just as many children in poorer countries around the world have to do every day.

Each class was also allowed a go on the bouncy castle and a dance at the disco in turn.

Niamh O’Brien, who teaches year one and was dressed as an Eighties dancer, organised the day along with year three teacher Dave Pearson.

She said: “It’s been great fun. The children have really enjoyed it, as have the staff.”

The school raised more than £2,000 two years ago for Sport Relief and hope to raise a similar sum this time, though they will not know the total until Monday.

Niamh said of Sport Relief: “It’s just something that’s close to all of our hearts.

“It’s raising money for people not only in our country but half goes to people around the world that need it too.”

All 283 pupils aged between three and seven-years-old at Kingmoor Junior School, in Lowry Hill, Carlisle, also got active to raise money for Sport Relief.

More than £1,100 was raised on the day by the children who were sponsored to do a walk around Lowry Hill and an assault course in the playground.

Headteacher Zoe Turner said: “The children are just very aware of children, families and people in other areas that need help and they are always very keen to take part in any charitable event.”

Parents joined in the fun with their children at Beckstone Primary School in Harrington, Workington.

All pupils and around 100 parents put on their running shoes and ran eight laps of the school’s field, equivalent to a mile. Their efforts raised £520.

Headteacher David Warbrick said: “We like to support national events and charities.

“This one in particular ties in well with our focus on healthy living. We want to encourage children and parents to enjoy exercise together.

“I’m quite pleased at the amount of parents that have decided to come along and run with their children.”

Lucy Bennett, six, said: “It’s a good thing to do. I like running but I also do dancing and I really enjoy it. We do a lot of gymnastics at school.

“Running a mile is hard work but I know I can do it.”

Lewie-James Blaney, six, said: “I do a lot of sport, running a mile is easy.”

Tomorrow, Newton Rigg College at Penrith, and Talkin Tarn, Brampton, are hosting one-, three- and six-mile runs.

There’s also a swimathon at Wigton Baths. Although the swimathon is fully booked this weekend, people have until Saturday, April 30, to complete 1.5km, 2.5km or 5km for charity