More than 200 students and pupils came together to improve their sporting skills and hear about an inspiring Everest adventure.

Cumbria Education Trust’s Year 6 Netball Participation Festival took place at William Howard School in Brampton.

Cumbria Education Trust is responsible for the education of more than 4,000 young people across eight primary schools, three secondaries and their West Coast Sixth Form.

They have said that the vision for their young people remains the same; to enable every one to reach their potential by providing an innovative and inspiring learning experience.

The festival included Year 6 pupils from all CET’s eight primary schools and Year 9 sports leaders and sixth form students from its three secondary schools.

The Year 6 pupils were split into different countries for the day, working with students from other schools and guided by Year 9 sports leaders to complete a range of netball skills. Matches and tournaments were delivered by the sixth form Sports Science students.

Participants also listened to an inspirational talk from guest speaker Chris Mothersdale about his adventures climbing Mount Everest and received certificates of participation.

Chris Mothersdale is a physics teacher in Carlisle, but he is also a very experienced climber and mountaineer, who has also notably climbed in Northern India, putting up two new routes on remote peaks, and has also attempted K2 and Broad Peak in Pakistan.

He has spent time climbing in Bolivia, Africa, the Caucasus, the Tien Shan and Khan Tengri, as well as Peak Lenin.

He has also been lucky enough to climb on Mount Vinson in Antarctica, and climbed 50 of the highest mountains in the European Alps.

Cumbria Education Trust's Nic Tweddle, who led organisation of the full-day event, said: “This was a fantastic, enjoyable way for different age ranges from across Cumbria to mix, meet new people and develop skills.

“It was really pleasing to see the Year 6 pupils enjoying a taste of secondary school life before they move up to ‘big school’ next year and to see the older students taking a lead on the day.

"The young people were fantastic ambassadors for CET throughout and behaviour and engagement were exemplary.”

Secondary schools taking part were The Whitehaven Academy, William Howard School, Workington Academy and West Coast Sixth Form.

Primary schools were Longtown; Caldew Lea, Newtown and Yewdale in Carlisle, Tebay and Yanwath in Eden, Hensingham in Whitehaven and Northside in Workington.

Lorrayne Hughes, CEO of Cumbria Education Trust, has said of the trust: "We believe in raising the aspirations of our children and helping them aim higher.

"We offer a broad and balanced curriculum that is enriched by many wonderful and exciting opportunities.

"I firmly believe that schools are stronger when they work together and sharing best practice across our primaries and secondaries is part of everyday life.

"Our schools are a vital cog in their local communities and we are fortunate to count on strong support from families and stakeholders in each area."