Children at Crosshall Infant School in Eaton Ford were given a crash course in healthy living last Thursday when they were given skipping ropes and skip counters. The youngsters were visited during a health promotion week by Skip2Bfit, which is run by for

Children at Crosshall Infant School in Eaton Ford were given a crash course in healthy living last Thursday when they were given skipping ropes and skip counters.

The youngsters were visited during a health promotion week by Skip2Bfit, which is run by former boxer John McCormack.

Those who notched up the most skips in two minutes were pupil Olivia, who managed 207 skips, and teacher Amy Sheldon who beat everyone else in the school with 214.

The Skip2bfit ropes have digital handles that record the children's and teacher's performance.

Children were also taught some tricks and were given fresh blueberries to promote healthy eating.

John said: "At first the boys tend to think skipping is just for girls, but I'm 6ft 2in and when they see me doing tricks they think 'that's cool'.

"I've made skipping modern and this programme really helps them with numeracy, as well as promoting healthy diets and giving them physical activity."

INFORMATION: See skip2bfit.com

Picture: HELEN DRAKE 9909