Children raised thousands of pounds at an annual charity day.

The pupils at Bancroft's Prep School in Woodford Green held a danceathon, competed in a three-legged race over an obstacle course and threw wet sponges at each other and teachers at the event on June 14.

Visitors were also treated to popcorn,a chocolate fountain and smoothies served up by children dressed as bananas at the charity day ,which raised around £4,500.

The money will be split between three charities, including the Epping Forest Phab Club which promotes shared activities between disabled and able bodied people.

Future Hope, a charity which helps street children in India will also benefit. And the children will use some of the money to continue the school’s support of Ramon, a boy who lives in Nicaragua.

Alison Moor, Charity Coordinator at Bancroft’s Prep, said: “The weather held and the sun appeared later in the afternoon.

“The children enjoy the fun and frivolities of the day immensely but also the opportunity to help others.

“This year they have done incredibly well. The total has exceeded last year’s by £500 and we are still are seeing money coming in.”