A total of 26 schools and 1,250 pupils from the Flying High Trust group of schools, as well as parents and staff members, took part in a virtual sports day.

It was organised by PE specialist Tom Darby, from Mapplewells Primary and Nursery School, Sutton, who said it was a way for schools to reconnect during lockdown.

“We set challenges that could be done using things that would be available to as many people as possible, so we did have to come up with some more creative events,” he added.

This meant, for example, the shot putt became the sock putt.

“Each Tuesday a new event was launched via a video, allowing everyone time to practise. The aim was to provide a daily activity for pupils to engage with as part of their recommended 60 minutes of physical activity a day,” Tom said.

Julie Reynolds, parent of Lily (Year 4) and Luke (Year 1) of Mapplewells, said: “I have to say I was sceptical about the virtual sports day but it was a welcome change, not only for the kids but for me too!”

Year 3 pupil Will Mead, from Leamington Primary and Nursery School, Sutton, said: “I loved sports day and really enjoyed sock putt. I found it a little tricky, but I persevered and had fun.”

Fellow pupil Ella Mosley, from Year 6, added: “It was an amazing experience. It was refreshing to have a nice day of sports with everyone smiling again.”

Tom added: “Within minutes of event one being launched it was incredible, literally the responses were zooming up by the minute and within 30 minutes we had surpassed 600 entries.

“This continued throughout the day, with a massive total of 5,290 entries in total across all five events. This equated to over 1,200 different participants taking part, a phenomenal figure.”

“I am extremely proud of how it all went,” said Tom. “Engagement was incredible and the enjoyment everyone had was clear to see. The day was a brilliant success and thanks must go out to all the PE leads and my fellow organiser, Abi Mayfield, for promoting the day.

“I would especially like to thank the parents for their enthusiasm, their encouragement and often for getting involved themselves – a true team effort was made by all of them.

“It made my week seeing everyone’s smiley, happy faces when they were taking part – well done all of you, I am extremely proud of you all.”

Tom says there are plans to make the event a tradition in the Flying High Trust of schools throughout Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire.

Paul Goodman, Deputy CEO of The Flying High Trust, said: “The event was literally a runaway success and showed that our staff, the children and their families can come together and create a wonderful, fun experience which encompasses our Trust values.

“We want to say a big thank you to everyone who took part or supported our children and their families in their events.”

The list of events included the Triple Jump Speed Bounce, The Hurdles, The Sock and Spoon, The Sock Putt and The Mini Marathon Team Relay.

Many sporting heroes and clubs left messages of support on social media for participants including, Tendayia Dariakwa (Nottingham Forest), Enzio Boldewijn (Notts County), Samit Patel (Notts County Cricket Club), Dan Magness (World famous football freestyler), Ollie Betteridge (Nottingham Panthers), Ricky Hatton (Former 3 x Light Welterweight & Welterweight World Champion) also Nottingham Forest Community Trust, Notts County Football In The Community , Mansfield Town Football in the Community, Knee High Ninjas , North Notts Hockey Club and Sutton In Ashfield Harriers Athletics Club.