CHILDREN across West Cumbria have been getting behind the England football team with special events.

Excitement for the tournament is building ahead of the Three Lions' opening Group B clash against Russia tomorrow night at 8pm - with youngsters dressing up, playing football and making football-themed crafts.

Cleator Moor Nursery's children came in dressed in their sporting gear and sporting face paint to celebrate the start of the Euro 2016 tournament yesterday.

Youngsters took part in a penalty shoot-out and various other sporting activities in the playground on the celebratory day.

There were also movement and music sessions being held to encourage children to keep active and inspired by the endeavours of the international footballers - even if they do not like football.

Pupils also showed off their creative sides by making footballs out of Play-Doh. It was not all about England either, with the youngsters creating flags and kits from the various countries taking part in the tournament.

Nursery teacher, Lisa Wilson, said it was a "fun, hot, sport-filled day."

She added: "They're really young a lot of them do like football and they like to support different teams. Almost all of them came dressed up and we've been taking pictures for the children to take home to remember the day. It's been lovely day and all the children really enjoyed themselves."

Meanwhile, St Bridget's Catholic Primary School pupils in Egremont will be supporting the side while also celebrating the Queen's birthday.

The school is holding an outdoor tea party today with children dressing in red, white and blue or football shirts.

But, the school's children have already been gearing up for the tournament by coming to school this week in England kits and having a kick about on the school field. Pupils even made predictions for England's results in the coming weeks, and many are feeling positive about the team's chances.

The children celebrated a very British day with a genteel “Lunch on the Lawn” to wish her Majesty Queen Elizabeth a very Happy 90th Birthday, was preceded by a hotly contested 5-a-side football competition to launch Euro 2016.

Headteacher, Suzanne Smith, said, “It was a hugely enjoyable afternoon of contrasts, promoting the British Values of friendship, tolerance and respect, whilst having a jolly good time!”

And at West Lakes Academy, students will be taking part in their own Euro tournament during lunchtimes.