SCHOOL pupils in the Tavistock area skipped to it recently, to raise funds for the British Heart Foundation.

The six primary schools which took part in the one-hour skipping festival raised a total of £2,100.

The participating schools were Milton Abbot, Lifton, Gulworthy, Horrabridge, Tavistock Primary and St Rumon?s Infant School, Tavistock.

The event was organised by school sports co-ordinator Tric Locker to promote skipping as a healthy exercise for youngsters.

It is estimated that nearly 1,000 pupils joined in the simultaneous skipping event, which took place between 2-3pm on a Thursday towards the end of last term.

As well as the schools in the Tavistock area, 20 other schools across Devon took part in the event.

Tavistock Primary School teacher Simon Beatty said the class of 30 Year 3 pupils had been working for half a term on different skipping routines, in preparation to skip in groups of 6 for an hour.

Mr Beatty said: ?They raised more than £300 and had a wonderful time. Skipping has now really taken off in the playground. It has become very popular, which is what we wanted, to encourage more active playtime.?