Winter Olympics practice has started at Kennet Valley Primary School in Lockeridge, where pupils are training in a 21st Century take on the ancient sport of curling.

New Age Kurling is an update on the sport which the Scots have been playing since the 16th Century and Olympians since 1998.

It is especially handy for schools as no ice rink or frozen lake is required; instead, a village hall will do.

Which is where pupils from years 4, 5 and 6 have been going to compete and follow the school’s policy of developing a variety of sports skills.

The kurling was organised by Mrs Jacqy McQue, the schools’ sports subject leader, and run by Avon Valley School’s games Charlie Wildman, who works for Avon Valley School as a games organiser.

“At Kennet Valley there is a shared ethos that PE should be enjoyed by all and, to help with this, children are introduced to a wide range of different sports,” said head teacher Emma Russell.

“The staff believe that the more sports that children try the more chance there is that they will find something that they love and want to pursue further.”

Mrs McQue added: “It was a great afternoon of sport for our children; they were all very engaged and clearly had a wonderful time. Playing sports is proven to help with mental health for people of all ages. Throughout the year children have the chance to take part in netball, cricket, tag rugby, handball, dodgeball, gymnastics, athletics, and dance. We are pleased to add New Age Kurling to that.”