Schools turned into a sea of red, white and blue ahead of today's royal wedding.

Garden parties and afternoon tea were the order of the day at many schools yesterday as the week culminated with playground celebrations in the sunshine.

Among those marking the occasion in Carlisle were the 300 pupils at Caldew Lea School.

Children's entertainer Jason the Juggler donned a bright purple suit to perform for the youngsters, all of whom adopted the patriotic costume colour scheme.

Some of the Caldewgate primary school's youngest children were invited to take on the roles of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle and their bridesmaids.

George Bridgewater, who with an auburn touch to his hair resembled Prince Harry, was happy to adopt his HRH role for the event and chose to wear a tie and waistcoat for the gathering.

George, aged five, said: "We're celebrating the royal wedding and I'm looking forward to eating the cake. I like being the prince too. I think I should really be the prince every time."

George was looking forward to dancing at the party.

"I hope they are going to play Taylor Swift," he added.

Nursery teacher Catriona Johnston said: "We've been doing a lot about the royal wedding over the course of the week.

"They know who Harry and Meghan are and that Harry's grandmother is the queen. Something like this forms a big part of the curriculum on British values that schools have to do. It helps them understand more about it."

Elsewhere, pupils at Shankhill School wrote letters to the royal couple.

Older children also staged a healthy eating afternoon tea party for all pupils, which also helped youngsters learn about balanced meals and how to read labels on items of food and drink.

Pupils also baked their own bread in school.

Headteacher Lynnsey Batey said: "We are so proud of our children in using their creative talents, independence, scientific and design and technology skills to full effect."

Similar events were being held at schools including Irthington near Brampton, and at Boltons C of E School, in Bolton Low Houses near Wigton.

At Boltons the youngsters also held a mock wedding, before enjoying an outdoor lunch designed by the pupils - of roast beef, chocolate gateau and ice cream.