THE countdown to this summer's Olympic Games began in earnest for pupils at Bewdley's Wribbenhall First School as they took to the field for a mini-version of the event.

Some 250 pupils took part in 10 events, including a 100-metre sprint, shot put, long jump and gymnastics, all to get them in the sporty spirit for the August games, in Athens.

The Wribbenhall event is expected to have raised more than £1,000 in sponsorship as part of a £5,000 bid for a large climbing frame and safety surface at the school, in Shaw Hedge Road.

Each pupil released a red, white or blue balloon in a patriotic salute to Britain's Olympic competitors, signalling the opening of the afternoon event.

Athletes of the future then took up the different challenges.

Head teacher, Paul Roper, said: "It was a superb event. I had people from the town stopping me later that day, telling me how much they had enjoyed it.

"All the children had a wonderful time."

This year, pupils were asked about how they wanted to improve the school, the results of which made the climbing frame a fund-raising priority, expected to hit its target by July.

Last year, children raised £4,000 for an adventure playground at the school.