In January, the Press broke the news that the hugely popular gala had been called off due to a lack of funds and volunteers.

The postponement was a major blow to the town’s 50th jubilee celebrations, but the gala committee promised to return “better and stronger” next year.

Now Dalgety Bay Primary pupils Ellie Morris and Megan Rae (both 11) are doing their bit to help and have decided that they will swim, run and cycle to raise cash.

They’ll make a splashing start in Burntisland, where they’ll swim eight laps of the pool, then bike the Fife Coastal Path back to Dalgety Bay Primary, and run a mile up to Dalgety Bay Sports Centre.

Also taking part in the challenge are their classmates Cerys Field and Hazel Milne, and the kids will be accompanied by dads Stephen Morris and Scott Rae.

Ellie said, “The gala isn’t on this year and we were both quite disappointed.

“We were quite sad and sitting at our desks in school thinking about what we could do to help.

“We talked to our mums and dads and came up with this.” Megan added, “We did think about doing a bake sale but thought this would be something different. I used to swim and we both do athletics and running and thought doing three sports would be more of a challenge.” The girls are being supported by the Beacon Leisure Centre, Fife Sports and Leisure Trust, and their families said they were very proud of them.

Megan’s mum Lyn said, “We thought it was really good that they wanted to support their local gala. They dance and take part every year and always have good fun.

“They’re both very active and always out and about on their bikes – I think the dads will be more tired!” Gala vice-chair Cat Moyes added, “It’s amazing. It really expresses the goodwill in the community that young people have decided to do something.

“It’s fantastic that their friends are joining in as well and I’m really impressed with the girls.

“The gala is about youngsters like them. This is a really good example of young people who have decided they want to help – it’s huge that they are taking responsibility for events happening.

“It’s the spirit of the gala. We really need help – and look these wee ones. It’s very empowering, and good on them.” To donate, text 70070 with the the message DBHG16 followed by the amount; e.g. DBHG16 £5.