PARENTS raised a glass to their sporty children as Delamere CofE Academy came together to raise cash for ICT equipment.

The youngsters hopped, skipped and jumped through a fun-filled sports day, with a summer fair staged immediately afterward providing the first £1,500 boost to school coffers.

Then the annual Delamere Academy Beer, Fizz & Gin Festival, which is organised by members of the school’s PTA, raised more than £3,500.

Now the £5,000 will go towards improving the school's computer provision.

David Aspinall, part of the festival organising team, said: “The generosity of the local community never ceases to amaze me, particularly considering the events of the last few years. We have so many people to thank, it is hard to know where to start!”

Blakemere Village Social donated the hog roast, delivered and set up the mobile bar and provided staff on the night.

The main sponsor was Cheshire Lamont (estate agent), and the others were Cullimore Dutton Solicitors Limited; Reclaimed World; Fox Red Developments; Chase and Wonder; Merlin Telecommunications Ltd; Easylife Garden Machinery; Petty Pool Construction; Stamp Architects Ltd; Sage Accounting; My Conservatory RoofReplacement Ltd; Eddisbury Land Services; TG Builders Merchants; Spotcheck customising and car sales; Talksteel art; Definity Aesthetics; Simon Casey; Equi stables; Craig Bairstow and J A Harrison Fencing.

Head of School Julie Clayton said: “It was so good to have us all together for the sport day and summer fair - children and families – for the first time in two years. It really was a happy day and hopefully everyone enjoyed it as much as I did.

“Thank you to those parents and ex-pupils that came in early to help us set up for the sports day and summer fair. The following day was our Beer, Fizz & Gin Festival. This too was a huge success, and it was a brilliant evening – the band was superb. A massive 'thank you' to the parents who helped organise and run the whole thing.

“I would like to thank in particular David Aspinall, John Waring and Debra Gerrard for their incredible generosity of time and support and to the rest of the Festival Team: Amy Ogden, Ruth Day, Daniel Bloyce, Dave Jones, Laura Jones, Peter Harrison and Simon Langton.

“These events, apart from a being a great opportunity for the school community to get together, are also great opportunities for raising funds for the children. This money will really make a difference.”