Pupils took to the water in fierce Dragon Boats ... and now schools from all over Bradford district have been invited to do the same.

Children from Appleton Academy in Wyke attended a school Dragon Boat race at Doe Park Water Sports Centre in Denholme, with four teams competing to be named top dragon.

Earlier this year the school was awarded a £20,000 grant for the boats, which are kept at the council-run centre.

Pupils have embraced the sport, and after several teams where whittled down in knockout competitions, yesterday’s races saw four teams of ten compete, each team made up of pupils aged nine to 18.

Katy Hebron, outdoor education co-ordinator at the academy, said: “It helps all the age groups work together, and the kids have taken to it really well. They love being out on the water but not having to get wet.”