CHILDREN from St Petroc’s School in Bude warmly welcomed two new pupils for the start of term last week.

The children and staff have a busy and exciting term ahead not only in the classroom but also with educational class trips to Rosemoor Gardens, a whole school outing to Plymouth Aquarium, and a continual list of sporting fixtures.

St Petroc’s puts out Under 11 and Under 9 girls’ and boys’ teams in each of the major sports.

This term they play football, hockey and netball and face a circuit of other local schools.

A major event on the school’s fixture list is the annual cross country race, which takes place on Friday, February 5. The event, held on Summerleaze Downs, attracts schools from all over the county, with more than 300 children taking part.

Head of PE and England Counties rugby player Ben Hilton, who oversees sport at St Petroc’s, said: “Sport is a major strength of the school and our philosophy is one of balancing inclusivity with a high degree of competitive will and spirit.

“The children look forward to the cross country event and always enjoy participating in the races and cheering each other on”.