CLOSE to 100 Year 5 and 6 pupils descended on Ulverston Leisure Centre to take on the challenge of the latest primary school aquathlon.

The event saw children from Croftlands Juniors, Pennington, Yarlside Academy, Penny Bridge and Low Furness schools tackle a swim in the centre's pool followed by a run around the adjacent cricket field, with each of the participants being given a medal.

Times were taken for all of the participants and results sent to the schools to add a competitive element, and the leisure centre's active communities co-ordinator Hannah Paling hailed the aquathlon as a success.

"They like it and it's kids who maybe don't always take part in team sports, and maybe like running and swimming a bit more," said Paling. "It's a bit of fun and it's good to take part in something competitive.

"They all seemed to enjoy it, everything went fine and to have nearly 90 children down in a couple of hours is great."

Staff from the leisure centre and volunteers from Ulverston Tri-Club were on hand to start races, time competitors, hand out medals and help with general organisation.

And Paling hopes the day helped inspire those who took part to pursue swimming, running or even triathlon after getting first-hand experience of what they are all about.

“You get kids who are good at team sports and get the chance to represent the school at those, but we open it up to everyone in Years 5 and 6, so the schools can bring as many as they want," said Paling.

"You finish it and you feel like you've achieved something, and I think that's why so many of them are interested in it. It's good to see a balance between girls and boys as well down there."