BEACH fun helped Thornhill students learn about nature while a fundraising day caused a purple patch for a children's charity.

Reception pupils at Thornhill School joined other primary school children to play on the beach at Seascale.

The event, organised by Copeland Small Schools cluster, aimed to teach children about the natural world.

Helen Toman, admin officer at Thornhill, said: "The Reception children joined children from Seascale, Waberthwaite and Eskdale on the beach for fun-filled activities.

"These included a scavenger hunt, beach Olympics, creating the Olympic rings from natural materials and a nature hunt in the rock pools. The children had a fantastic day and can't wait to go again."

And Thornhill students have also been doing their bit for charity as children raised over £50 for Kidsafe UK.

The fundraising day, which the school hopes to make an annual event, followed internet safety sessions. In total, £54.10 was collected.

"We took part in a fundraising event to raise money for Kidsafe UK. The children came to school wearing something purple and made a donation for this privilege," said Mrs Toman.

"Kidsafe is a charity that teaches children how to keep themselves safe. Our Kidsafe tutor, Jen Temple, teaches this programme to every key stage in school, a total of three times throughout their time in primary school.

"The lessons include bullying, cyber bullying, computer and internet safety, trusting grown-ups and yukky feels (sad, scared and worried)."

Kidsafe UK was established in 2004 as a way of equipping children with the skills needed to protect themselves from all forms of abuse.

The proceeds from the sponsored day were split in half between Kidsafe and the school.