Sport of all descriptions is an important element of a healthy lifestyle and particularly important for growing children.

At King's St Alban's Junior School in Worcester there is a tradition of introducing children to new sports including judo, fencing and now orienteering.

Over recent years many of the pupils have competed in national orienteering championships at U-11 and U-10 level where they have won gold, silver and bronze medals.

Orienteers

Last November a team of fledgling orienteers took part in a West Midlands event at U-15 level, where the competition was fierce.

Duncan Leeson and Cara Evans both achieved the fastest time in their age group.

At King's St Alban's the annual school cross country championships are now being replaced by orienteering championships.

The children will compete in a score event.

They have a map marked with 25 flagged control points. They have to find as many of these flags as they can within a set time.

The youngsters collect an identifying stamp from each as proof of their visit, which means no short cuts.

The youngest pupils will be set a course based in the school grounds, while the older children will range more widely over the school playing fields.

All their points will contribute to their house score as the event is one of the 15 house competitions held annually.

l On Friday, January 19, King's St Alban's is taking bookings for a Children's Day in School. On that day children, aged six to nine, are being invited to take a closer look at the school. One of the events planned for them is orienteering.

Any family interested in finding their way to King's should contact the school on 01905 354906.

Have map, will travel: Budding orienteers Jonathan Hunt and Eleanor Rushforth.