TEAM GB's success in Rio is inspiring people of all ages across north and west Cumbria to get into sport.

This weekend saw children and adults trying out everything from badminton and tennis to fencing and athletics.

The free taster sessions were organised by local sports centres and clubs as part of the national I Am Team GB campaign.

Dubbed the nation's biggest sports day, Saturday's event aimed to encourage people across the country to get involved in sport, try something new and follow in the footsteps of their heroes.

Although there are hopes of discovering the next generation of Olympians, the main emphasis was on getting fit and active, involving families, friends and individuals.

I Am Team GB was organised by The National Lottery and ITV - with the latter switching off its channel for a full hour to encouarge people to get out and get active.

In Cumbria Carlisle's Sands Centre and Bitts Park, as well as Workington Leisure Centre, were among those offering sessions.

Sports on offer were badminton, fencing, cricket, netball, tennis, basketball, tag rugby, athletics and football.

Guy Thompson, sports development and activities coordinator at the Sands' Better leisure club, said: "It aims to get people to try new sports on the back of the success at the Olympics.

"They are calling it Britain's biggest sports day and we were keen to get involved. A lot of people have been coming along because they want to get involved in a sport they've seen on TV.

"We've had all ages and people want to have a go. It's really a perfect time to be inspired and act on that."

Among those at the badminton and fencing sessions were Cargo mum Helen Martlew and her sons Thomas, 10, and James, seven.

She said: "We all watched the Olympics and loved it. We wanted to try some of the sports and saw this advertised."

Thomas said: "Badminton is really fun. I've never done it at school so it's good to be able to try something new."

Anna Tobojka, of Carlisle, and five-year-old nephew Oliver Kwiatkowski were at the tennis sessions in Bitts Park. "We came down to the park and saw this was on. It's a lot of fun, especially in such lovely weather," she said.

And with the Paralympics on the horizon, the Carlisle Wheelchair Sports Club also got involved by offering free tasters. It opened up its regular Saturday session at Richard Rose Morton Academy in Carlisle to give both disabled and able-bodied people a chance to try wheelchair basketball, power football and boccia.

Rich Townson, chairman of the basketball committee, said: "We've expanded a lot and are hoping that the Paralympics will get even more people interested. We want to get across that people don't have to play at a competitive level if they don't want to. It's about fitness but also the social aspect and building confidence. Anyone can do it."