Sun, sand and the city was the setting as a group of pupils tried their hand at beach volleyball.

The children from Holy Trinity Primary School in Somerset Road, Tottenham, got to test out their volleyball skills on a makeshift beach in the shadow of Canary Wharf.

The school were taking part in the annual Action For Kids beach volleyball championships which sees thousands of people flock to the area to play.

Action For Kids, based in Tottenham Lane, Hornsey, is a charity that works young people that have a range of disabilities.

Charity worker Lyn Prodger said: “Anyone who tries it says it’s an amazing sport – so much fun but a really tough workout too.

“Not only does it raise money to help disabled children and young people but everyone comes together; disabled students, school pupils, community groups, mums and dads, insurance brokers and bankers.

“I nearly cried when a school kid turned to me last year and said they’d never been on sand – just wow.”

Almost 200 tonnes of sand were transported to the area at the weekend and after hours of shovelling and raking the space was transformed into two beach volleyball courts.

During the three week event, there are free slots for school groups to enjoy the benefits of the sport and competition.

Side Out volleyball club, who help put on the event, has links with top volleyball stars and members were on hand to give free coaching to schools taking part.

Coach Luca Toth said: "We've shown the students two basic touches, let them have fun and just shown them what beach volleyball is about today.

"The weather is really nice this summer and it's really healthy to be outdoors.

"Think about what it's like running on the sand at the seaside for an hour, it's hard but it's so much fun and enjoyable, especially feeling the sand under your feet and when the weather is nice and you get a tan, nothing beats it.”