SCHOOL children from across Winchester, Romsey and Andover were some of the first to enjoy new facilities at Sparsholt College.

Around 300 students in years 6-8 at St Peter’s, Westgate, Kings and Henry Beaufort in Winchester and Romsey School spent the day at the new multi-million pound sports centre to enjoy a spot of climbing.

Outdoor education lecturer, Kaj Berendsen, said: “An important part of the Outdoor Education diploma is the leadership unit for land based and water based activities. This examines the characteristics of effective sport or exercise leadership and gives learners the opportunity to demonstrate their own planning and delivery of a sport or exercise session.

“We invite these students in and whilst they get to enjoy our very impressive facilities, our students get to hone their skills in a practical context which will go towards their final qualifications.”

The two-year Level 3 Extended Diploma in Outdoor Education will see students taught the theoretical and practical elements of climbing, mountain biking, kayaking and canoeing.

Pupils will also take expeditions to parts of Wales and Dartmoor.