Excited youngsters were covered in a rainbow of colour as they raised money for charity.

St Bees Village School hosted a mini colour run in aid of Hospice at Home West Cumbria.

About 170 children ran laps of the school field, while volunteers pelted them with multi-coloured powder paint.

It is the first year that the school has taken part in the event and headteacher Emma Sharp called it a huge success.

"It's been absolutely fantastic," said Mrs Sharp, who was also drenched in paint. "It's a really fun way to get children aware of who they're raising money for and why."

Hospice at Home West Cumbria spokeswoman Stella Walsh said: "We want to say a big thank you to St Bees Village school for taking part.

"This is the first colour run for them and one of six schools taking part this year.

"We are absolutely thrilled with the response – we have had so many children sign up, nearly the whole school has taken part.

"I want to say a big thank you for the Low Level Waste Repository (LLWR) for sponsoring the event.

"It's great to have such wonderful support from local businesses and schools."

The LLWR, near Drigg, donated £1,000 to stage the event. Alex McCarthy, who works there, is a parent governor at the school.

This year six schools will host their own mini events. Dearham School kicked it off, with St Bees following second.

The others taking part are St James Junior School in Whitehaven, Orgill Primary School in Egremont, Seaton Academy and Mayfield School.

There will be two public colour runs – a 1K and 5K – held at Muncaster Castle on Sunday, July 2. So far, 400 people have signed up for the event.