THE FIRST EVER Cumbria SEND Games was an “absolute success” offering activities and sports events for all ages and abilities.

Autism charity Bee Unique held the large scale event on the grounds of Mayfield, a specialist educational needs school in Whitehaven on Saturday.

Co-founder of the charity Nadia Shaw said: “It was an absolute success but that was all thanks to the volunteers.”

As well as 30 volunteers, Bee Unique were given support by the Egremont Crab Fair team, Daniel Shutt, Kieron Rogers and Stacey Scott.

“A huge thank you to Adam Stobbart Ltd for kindly donating a minibus to transport volunteers.

“It was absolutely brilliant we had 935 people through the gates, we ended up raising £2,500, it’ll be split between Mayfield School and the charity.”

Activities on the day included alpaca walks, a sack race and space hopper race, a run and face painting.

Young people were given the chance to dress up like a viking and meet the Mayor of Whitehaven Chris Hayes.

Disney characters were in attendance to meet the youngsters and fairground rides were enjoyed by people of all ages.

Nadia said: “As we draw a close on the Inaugural Cumbria SEND Games, we extend our thanks to all you selfless individuals that helped us through the challenge of planning at such short notice, setting up and running what turned out to be a most amazing day.

“It was far better than we could have ever imagined.”

“It was amazing to see everything all come together on the day.”

A special thanks was given to Mayfield’s headteacher: “A special thanks goes to Sam Kidd. Without Sam’s support, seeing our vision it would never have even started.”

Nadia said: “It was just so lovely and touching to see happy smiley faces and will see you all at the Cumbria SEND Games 2022!”

A Bee Unique Fun Day is planned for September 25, this time in Allerdale at Workington Cricket Club.

Mayor of Whitehaven Chris Hayes said: "It's absolutely unbelievable, I've never enjoyed a morning so much in my life. To see those kids...it's quite humbling really and they thanked me for going as mayor."

Councillor Hayes felt like the one who should have been thanking them.

"I was so pleased to see it was a great success and watch this space for next year."

The Bee Unique team has announced that next year’s Cumbria SEND Games will be held on July 30.