THERE was plenty of monkeying around at a primary school as youngsters went bananas for charity.

Kind-hearted pupils at St James' CE Primary School, Daisy Hill, put on monkey masks when they took part in a special event for a child cancer charity.

The whole school — from reception classes to year six — took part in the Cheeky Monkey's Marathon Challenge.

Teachers also got involved in the fun activities which were based on the number 26 — the number of miles which make up a marathon.

Joanne Prince, acting headteacher at the school, said she was delighted and thanked everyone for taking part in the fundraising day.

Mrs Prince said: "It was an amazing day — the whole school got involved.

"We have two children at the school undergoing treatment for cancer so it was a charity close to our hearts.

"Everyone was very determined to raise money and enjoyed it and had fun on the day."

Children were involved in a number of different activities, with year six pupils taking part in circuit training with 26 different exercises.

Reception children took part in an obstacle course overcoming 26 different challenges, while other year groups took part in sponsored walk and run, washing cars for 26 minutes — in the pouring rain — and skipping.

One class even sang their hearts out to 26 different songs.

Mrs Prince said she was proud that the children managed to raise so much money for charity.

She said : "When the children took part in the sponsored walk the staff from Sainsbury's came out and clapped them.

"We still have money coming in but we have raised around £4,000 so far — which is an unbelievable amount.

"It was a such a good atmosphere on the day.

"Everybody understood the importance of the charity and each class and teacher came up with what they should do."

Running alongside the Cheeky Money Marathon Challenge to raise money for research into childhood cancers, was a Macmillan's coffee morning where parents enjoyed a welcome cuppa while being entertained by the children's singing.

The coffee morning raised over £400.