Schools in Workington have welcomed a special Uppies and Downies ball to raise awareness of autism.

Workington Academy was the first school to welcome a ball created to mark Autism Awareness Week.

Academy tutor Mr Bob Daglish and his family, have been involved in the mass football game since the 1950s.

Mr Daglish spoke to students about the game's origin and brought along a ball used in 1957 for students to hold and compare to the autism awareness ball.

The children enjoyed their own mini game.

The ball, made to be auctions in aid of an autism charity, is travelling around schools in the town to share the history of the local game and to increase awareness of autism.

Lesley Robertson, learning support co-ordinator, said: "We were delighted to be asked to receive the ball and our students were excited to be involved in Workington’s historical game.

"We work very hard to ensure that all students here at the academy have the same opportunities regardless of their ability.

"We work closely with students living with autism, giving them the best life chances possible.

"Increasing awareness of autism through Uppies and Downies is a fantastic idea."

After the visit, the ball was passed to Danny Carter, of Victoria Junior School, by academy student James Richardson.