Plate-spinning, feather balancing and pedal-go were among the circus skills learned by youngsters at a St Bees summer school.

Children have travelled from all over west Cumbria to enjoy the jam-packed summer programme at St Bees School.

As well as getting a taste of circus life, youngsters have taken part in activities including bushcraft, swimming, tri-golf, arts and crafts and a mini Olympics.

Ann Stott, commercial manager at the school, who organised Summerfest, said the children had loved it.

Layla Brown, 5, of Goosebutts, has enjoyed the wide range of activities on offer.

She said: "I like threading sticks, going to the woods. I like playing with the clay. I've had fun playing football and I've had fun swimming."

While Thomas Amos, 8, of Bleach Green, Egremont, said: "I've enjoyed the swimming - that was my favourite. I've enjoyed the stilts at the circus."

Simone Tani, of Splats Entertainment, ran the circus school.

He said: "We had a very long session - we usually do this for an hour but it's been four and a half hours. They have been very good and focused."

The children put on a performance to showcase the skills they had learned at the end of the session.

Demi McDowell, marketing executive, said the summer school had given them a feel of what it is going to be like in September when St Bees School re-opens.

She added that the leisure team and volunteers had worked "so hard" to put on the programme of events.

Summerfest will resume on August 20 for a week after a fortnight break. A limited number of places are available.

The cost is £125 for five days. An early and late club is available at an additional charge of £5 per session.

For any enquiries or to book, email lettings@stbeesschool.co.uk or call 01946 828000.