School pupils sprinted to the finish in a sports day held to showcase the skills honed over a four-year sports programme.

Children from St Bede’s Primary in Carlisle have been taking part in the school sports coaching scheme sponsored by a Cumbrian house builder.

Over the past four years the scheme has delivered various sporting activities in local primary schools across the county.

Following an application and selection process, chosen schools have been provided with a range of fun and exciting sports activities, including basketball, handball, tennis, athletics and hockey, through Cumbrian Sport and Physical Activity Alliance Foundation (SPAAF).

Michael Barnes, school sport co-ordinator and senior coach at SPAAF, said: "Our thanks goes out to everyone involved and also to Story Homes for supporting this project and whose support has benefited so many children."

Megan Cook, coach from St Bede's Primary, added: “The whole school has really benefited from the scheme.

"We’ve done a little of bit of everything - multi skills, hockey, tri-golf, tag rugby and athletics.

"Some of the children have never played these sports before so it’s given them with a great chance to experience and learn something new.”

During the sports day, children competed for their house at shot put, hurdles, javelin and the 50m sprint. The green team were the trophy winners, with all participants receiving medals.

St Bede's head teacher Louise McMillan said “Sport can really make an impact on self-esteem, attitude and behaviour and it is an area where some children can really excel.

"As well as the children picking up new skills and terminology, the teachers are learning too.”

Ian Storey, managing director of Story Homes, sponsors of the school sports coaching scheme, said: “A sports day is a fantastic way of bringing school children together to celebrate each other’s achievements and to really enjoy a fun and active day.

"This programme was all about supporting children and teachers in sport and Story Homes is proud to have been associated with SPAAF.”

Building on the legacy of the 2012 Olympics, the project aimed to inspire children to take part in sport, encourage them to lead a healthier lifestyle and to provide opportunities for them to continue to take part in activities out of school, within a local sports club.