SOUTH Essex schoolchildren dressed up and laced up their trainers to raise cash for Sport Relief.

Maple Grove School, in High Road, Pitsea, Millhouse Infant, Junior and Nursery School in Tavistock Road, Laindon, and Grove Wood Primary School in Grove Road, Rayleigh, held events on Friday, March 18.

Sport Relief brings together the worlds of sport and entertainment to raise money for vulnerable people in the UK as well as the world's poorest countries.

Schools held obstacle races, cake sales, dance events and races to raise money for the cause.

Matthew Lindley teacher at Maple Grove School said: “The event went really well and it was really successful.

“I am very proud of the students and the way they have joined in today and took part in the races and fundraising.

“The children have done the school proud and they understand why we are fundraising and why we hold events like this.

“All the children have shown great team spirit and really got involved.”

Meanwhile on Saturday, Bustles Boutique in Southend’s Victoria Shopping Centre held a spinathon to raise money for Sport Relief.