Maps, flags and compasses will be out in force this weekend when a family fun orienteering day will be held in Cockermouth.

Fairfield Primary School’s Parent Teacher Association is organising the community fundraising event for all ages and abilities on Saturday. They are hoping lots of people will join in.

The association is supported by staff and the West Cumberland Orienteering Club. There will be various courses to choose from.

Participants can also enjoy a barbecue, teas, coffees and cakes being laid on at the school, where there will also be a bouncy castle.

Teacher and Key Stage 1 leader Rob Barton said: “This is a community event. We are encouraging anybody of any age from across the local community to get involved.

“The aim of the day is to allow children and families the opportunity to get out and be active whilst having fun and learning some new skills.

“The event is organised to allow both complete novices and experienced orienteers to have fun.”

Three simple courses suitable for young children will take place on the school field. There will be two slightly more complex line courses set up in Harris Park.

There will also be a town course which, instead of the traditional map-based orienteering, will use a GPS program for competitors to find their way to the checkpoints. To complete this course, participants will need a smart phone or similar device with the MapRun app installed.

Mr Barton said: “All children will require the supervision of parents and carers at all times as the courses are in different parts of the town and will involve road crossings and other hazards.”

The PTA is raising funds for a science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) lab in Key Stage 2.

The event will run from 10am to 2pm. People must sign up at the school before going to the start locations. The entry fee is £4 per adult, £3 per child or £10 per family and people can complete as many courses as they would like.