ONE of the many ways parents can encourage their children to get outside in the fresh air and get some exercise is through skipping.

School playgrounds were once filled with youngsters with their ropes either playing skipping games together or solo.

Now it's quite unusual to see children jumping over a rope, but skipping is making a come back.

Clubs are starting up all over the country with the experts participating in world-wide competitions.

Bretforton First School is one of many promoting the activity in the Vale. Before the end of term Sue Dale, of the British Rope Skipping Association, called in to organise workshops for the boys and girls. Teacher Zoe Nosworthy said: "It's a lunch time initiative, and it was lovely to see children skipping again. We hope that they will do much more of it in the holidays."

Sue, who belongs to the club Blue and White Rope Skippers from Studley, said: "It's a great sport and we are doing all we can to promote it back into schools. Not only does it get the children outdoors, but skipping is an interest that gives their legs, arms and hearts healthy exercise."

Years ago skipping used to be practised mainly by girls, but since boxers and footballers have used skipping for years to keep agile, boys are being won over.

Those at Bretforton First School are enjoying skipping just as much as the girls now Sue Dale has taught them loads of tricks such as doubles, sides skips, peek-a-boo, skier, bell, buddy bounce, pollywog and the elephant toad.

Ten-year-old Jamie Clarke said: "It's really great doing all the special tricks, and good exercise too."

Stephanie Beswick, also ten, said: "It's good because you get outdoors and the exercise is good for your bones."

There are hundreds of other tricks so anyone wanting a full list can find it on the internet at the www.erso.org web page and click on skills.

The BRSA also has a new trick list video which describes step by step how to do the tricks. For more information on this or on buying ropes, contact Sue Dale at sjdcon@tesco.net.