CHILDREN across Herefordshire are continuing to stay active by competing in sporting challenges while isolating.

Herefordshire Virtual School Games includes several bi-weekly challenges to keep children competing during the social isolation.

Round one of the games began this week with schools challenging their pupils to take part in 'sportshall athletics'.

Each task asks pupils to perform a certain exercise and record their time, tally or distance.

"After speaking with teachers they still wanted us to continue with the competitions we provide through the summer," said Stride Active competition manager Kieram Hallam.

"We thought of the easiest way to involve as many people as possible.

"We have given 10 days for pupils to complete each task so teachers are not over-loaded and it's not taking away from the core lessons.

"There will be a first, second and third prize for the schools with the most points.

"There will also be certificates for all the schools that enter."

The first round sees pupils in school years three and four competing in a 'standing long jump'; year five and six in the 'speed bounce'; and high school pupils are competing in a 'standing triple jump'.

Details of each challenge is available on the Stride Active website.

Schools are asked to add up all the scores from pupils (one score per pupil) and then divide it by the number of entries they have and then email their results to kieram@strideactive.org by the May 7.

Future weekly themes set for challenges include football, netball, ball skills, a daily challenges week and rounders.

Schools involved have also been posting videos of their pupils competing online.

It is hoped that the Herefordshire Summer School Games may still take place if isolation measures are relaxed.