EAGER youngsters from West Dorset have been learning to skip like a boxer.

Professional boxing trainer John McCormack runs Skip2bfit, a new national school campaign.

Staff, parents and youngsters at Bridport Primary School took part in the two-minute challenge.

Other schools in the area have also been involved, with the top skippers meeting at Sir John Colfox School for a final challenge.

The top skippers at Bridport Primary were given certificates by Mr McCormack during school assembly.

Mr McCormack said: “It was great to see the children skipping.

“Our message is simple, we cannot all be the best but we can all improve our personal best.”

Children attempted as many skips as they could within two minutes.

After the first attempt they tried the challenge again with the hope of beating their personal best.

At the end of each session every child was given fresh blueberries and a health leaflet as part of the programme.

Mr McCormack added: “Skip2bfit believes that the best time to introduce children to healthy food is immediately after exercise.

“At Skip2bfit we passionately believe that skipping is for everyone and the Skip2bfit digital counting ropes are adjustable for both children and adults to challenge each other.”

The schools were also given a blueberry bush at the end of the day.

Headteacher Debbie Brown said: “It was a fantastic day, the children enjoyed both the skipping and the challenge. We have since spent £500 on skipping ropes, which Mr McCormack was selling for £5 each.

“The children are now skipping all over the playground, it is a great way to keep fit. The message from the challenge was inspirational – that we cannot all be best but should try to beat our personal best.”

The pupils took part in 40-minute sessions, apart from reception class.

Teacher Judith Griffies, the oldest member of staff, took the title for top adult skipper with 241 skips.

Year 4 youngster Lily Rayner, managed an impressive 275 skips.