OXENHOPE Primary School now has its own sports champion who is working to increase the breadth of sports available to pupils and children's participation in these pursuits.

Head teacher John Parkin updated parish councillors in the village on this development during their latest monthly meeting on Wednesday night. (Nov 8)

He said: "We're encouraging children to engage with different sports in their free time, not just football.

"We've started a hockey club and we are also introducing a sport called boccia, which is a bit like a seated version of crown green bowls, which anyone can take part in, including people with disabilities. It's very competitive."

Mr Parkin added that as part of the school's mission to encourage youngsters to take care of their health, key stage one and two pupils are participating in healthy heart workshops, which are being run by the British Heart Foundation.