THOUSANDS of school children have watched teachers and celebrities covered in gunge as part of a Red Nose Day fundraiser.

Pupils from around the city’s primary schools packed into York Barbican to raise vital funds ahead of Friday’s Comic Relief marathon.

Their day out of classes saw 1,500 children watch performers entertain the crowds and Kay Crewdson, BBC Radio York’s breakfast show presenter covered in gunge along with Haxby Road Primary School head teacher Zoe Lightfoot.

Everyone paid £1 to be at the Barbican and other schools raised hundreds of pounds to see teachers gunged.

John Hattam, community outreach worker at Clifton Green Primary School, helped to organise the day and said initial estimates had the total raised at £3,500.

He said: “Fifteen school from across the city attended and filled the arena.

“We had a freestyle footballer there, Minster FM, BBC Look North and mascot entertainers.

“Our motto is Better Never Stops and we wanted to do something that encourages primary schools to raise money for Comic Relief while having great fun.

Haxby Road Primary School raised a huge £900 and Rufforth Primary School raised £500 as well.

“It was a brilliant afternoon with great entertainment.

“It was great fundraising for Red Nose Day.”

If you are holding a Comic Relief event at work or school, send pictures and a short explanation to The Press by e-mailing newsdesk@thepress.co.uk