Youngsters from a March pre school have been busy raising money for new equipment in a colour challenge.

Children at Maple Grove raised more than £3,000 in the event where they were all given the same size plastic zip bag and allocated a colour.

The aim was to collect as many items matching that colour as possible and fit them into the sealed bag.

Sponsorship was encouraged and all children took part.

A spokesman for the school said: “This is a popular event as all the family can become involved and is always very well supported, however this year was a bumper year!

“We raised a massive £3,409.28 which is far more than we ever have before.

“The group have managed to purchase eight new bikes for the children – two for each of our rooms.

“The bikes have a platform behind them which enables each child riding the bike to take their friend for a ride. They are hugely popular and encourage great team work and sharing.

“Due to so many children raising so much money, the top four winners in each of our rooms received a little gift.

“They were given to the children who raised the most money and those who collected the highest number of items. All children who participated received a thank you certificate.

“We would like to thank all the families who supported us, their generosity was overwhelming and all children will benefit from the new bikes purchased.”