CHILDREN from four Herefordshire primary schools have been able to try the sport of orienteering thanks to a specially organised festival.

In response to requests from schools in the county, Herefordshire Council's sports development team found there was a need for more coaches in orienteering, a sport where competitors navigate their way between control points on a specially drawn map.

Herefordshire Council funded training for 11 students at Holme Lacy College who volunteered to become coaches in orienteering.

The students organised the event as part of their BTec National Diploma course in outdoor education.

As well as running the afternoon, the students also provided six weeks of orienteering coaching at times to suit the individual schools.

Children from primary schools at Mordiford, Much Birch, Marlbrook and Holme Lacy took part in the orienteering festival at Holme Lacy College, with Marlbrook being the overall winners.

Amy Jenkins, sports development officer, said: "Orienteering is a wonderful sport for children to take part in as it tests them mentally by having to read maps and is also a great sport to take up with friends, allowing people to share their adventures afterwards.

"We would like to thank the students at Holme Lacy College for making the festival possible and hope more schools will be interested in taking up this fun and challenging sport," she added.

To find out more about Herefordshire Council's sports development team and how they can help promote sporting activities, call Amy Jenkins on 01432 261539.