RUGBY-MAD children from Keighley and Silsden have helped raise almost £3,000 for charity.

The youngsters from Rugbytots classes in Keighley and various Craven venues carried out a ‘Try-athlon’ earlier this summer.

The proceeds will go to the Wooden Spoon rugby charity which helps fund projects for disadvantaged and disabled youngsters.

The Rugbytots physical activity classes are run the children aged two to seven by Scott Millar at venues also including Carleton, Skipton, Clitheroe and Giggleswick.

He said: “Between our venues we have managed to raise an amazing £2,880 from Try-athlon through sponsorship and a raffle.

“I am also doing a 323-mile bike ride from Lands End to Twickenham Rugby stadium so the Try-athlon money is added to my fundraising total which now stands at £4,500.

“Between two sessions our Keighley Rugbytots managed a fantastic 133 tries, completed 82 kicks at our rugby posts, completed 769 passes with their parents, then did 85 passes as a group.”

The Try-athlon involved the children getting sponsorship to score as many tries, kick as many goals and catch as many passes as possible in five-minute sets.

Members of Keighley Rugbytots with certificates from their charity Try-athlon, from left Emily Parker, Oscar Magson, Lily Maris, group leader Scott Millar, Ethan and Joshua Wakeman

Mr Millar runs Rugbytots Craven and Pendle, which as well as regular classes in towns and villages also includes programmes in schools and nurseries. He caters for around 250 children each week.

Everyone who took part in the Try-athlon received a certificate, and those who raised more than £25 won a mini Rugbytots ball.

Wooden Spoon is described as the children’s charity of rugby and raises money to transform the lives of disadvantaged and disabled children.

Since 1983, Wooden Spoon has distributed in excess of £24 million, helping over one million young people.

It has provided money for sensory rooms, specialist playgrounds and sports activity areas, respite, medical and community care. The charity funds around 70 projects each year.

Mr Millar added “To raise even more funds and celebrate Rugbytots UK’s 10th anniversary we’re also organising a bike ride from Lands End to London in August.”