More than 100 Redbridge school pupils tested their spikes, digs and beach volleyball skills on the sand in the grand setting of Canary Wharf.

The youngsters from Parkhill Junior School and Wohl Ilford Jewish Primary School were given free taster sessions of the sport as part of London-based charity Action For Kids’ annual beach volleyball championships.

The annual three week event has attracted thousands of Londoners, who play and raise funds for disabled youngsters.

Almost 200 tonnes of sand were transported to Montgomery Square last weekend, transforming the space into two beach volleyball courts.

Ashley Brett, a teacher at Wohl Ilford Jewish Primary School in Forest Road, Barkingside, said: “It’s been absolutely fantastic. It’s been lovely to support a charity and for children to play beach volleyball, a sport they don’t normally get an opportunity to do.”

After learning some beach volleyball moves, the students got competitive on the sand and played a mini-tournament between the two schools.

Assistant head at Parkhill Junior School in Clayhall, Taniya Ahmed, said: “It’s really great, we come every year because it’s just so good – a beach in the midst of these high rise buildings – the children are always surprised by that! They always love it and the coaches are fantastic, it’s a wonderful opportunity.”