More than 200 children raced through colourful clouds at Workington’s first mini colour run to raise money for charity.

Pupils from Ashfield infant and junior schools took part in the event in aid of Hospice at Home West Cumbria.

About £1,500 has been raised so far through entry fees and sales of merchandise. More money is due to come from sponsorship.

The run took place at Ashfield Junior School ahead of the charity’s main colour run at Muncaster Castle on July 3.

Staff and volunteers from both schools showered the children with powdered paint as they passed through checkpoints on the route.

A 300-strong crowd also attended the run to cheer on the children.

Infant school pupil Emily Johnston, six, from Great Clifton, was among the youngsters who took part.

She said: “I did the colour run last year with my grandma and I’m doing it again in July.

“We are always learning about helping people at school and being good citizens and this was such a fun way to raise money for such a fab charity.”

The charity’s new part-time fundraisers, Emma Gibbon and Teresa McCall, also attended.

Emma said: “I’m looking forward to working with families, schools and organisations to raise awareness of the charity and get them involved in events like this.”

The event was sponsored by Dobie’s Cumbria and the race was started by Emma Dobie, a partner in the firm.

She said: “It is really important to support local charities in West Cumbria and for us to be able to give something back to the communities in which we operate.”