CHILDREN at a primary school in Chipping Sodbury have raised over £1,000 for local charities by holding a virtual sports day.

Staff at Raysfield Federation sent a video to their pupils asking them to get involved at home, with children joining in with virtual egg-and-spoon, three-legged and running races, amongst other challenges.

The children were asked to donate £1 for each race they competed in and the school will donate all money raised to local causes supporting others through the coronavirus pandemic.

Executive headteacher, Claire Hill said: “Sports Day at Raysfield is such an enjoyable event for everyone which usually finishes off our Term 5 in a celebratory style. This year, we all enjoyed watching the races from the comfort of our own homes as we decided to go ahead with a ‘Virtual Sports Day’ event where the winners were our local community.

“We have raised a huge £1,055 to take part in a range of fun races - even the teachers have taken part this year with a ‘Hot Potato’ race.

“We are very proud to donate the money raised to some amazing local companies who have been supporting residents and the NHS through this pandemic. The individuals and groups involved are simply wonderful and we would like to say a huge public thank you to them. The efforts of Koala Kreations, the Vintage Birdcage Cakery and James Balls Covid response team, are outstanding and all will be recipients of the money we raise. The event has also enabled us all to keep connected, which has been a challenge through this time so it has been important for us all to enjoy an Team Raysfield event, albeit virtually. The races aren’t in the true sense of competition but they are just something sporty to share with our community and connect us..

To donate go to www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/forpta2020