PUPILS got stuck into learning some sporting skills with the help of Barrow Raiders.

Year Five pupils from South Walney Junior School swapped their schools books for rugby balls as they were trained by Barrow’s sporting stars.

The Barrow Raiders community paid a visit to South Walney Junior School to help teach pupils the correct technique for catching a high ball.

Some pupils even went on to do Barrow Raiders’ player Tee Ritson’s famous high ball challenge.

Steve Neale, chairman of Barrow Raiders, said the sessions, which are outside and Covid-safe, are benefitting pupils in local schools.

He said: “We’re back in schools now doing PE which is great.

“Everything is completely Covid safe and all the sessions are outside for safety reasons.

“So far the schools have really taken to us and we’re pretty much booked out through the whole term now.

“Pupils aren’t getting as much PE in school nowadays so it’s so important we carry on going into schools and promoting exercise.

“People like ourselves going into different schools and teaching various skills is deal for schools and the kids themselves who are actually getting some exercise whilst having a great time.”

A spokesman for Barrow Raiders said: “The Raiders Community were at South Walney Junior School last week teaching Year 5 the correct technique for catching a high ball.

“Once the children got their confidence, they began to improve - some took on the Tee Ritson high ball challenge.

“Well done South Walney Junior School Year 5.”

“Barrow Raiders Community Foundation would like to thank Sir John Fisher Foundation, Cumbria Community Foundation, BAE, Furness Park Motors, Identity, Matt Johnson Prestige, and Walney Community Extension Fund for their support.

“Also, Heaths Toymaster, Life Leisure and Matt Johnson Prestige for supporting Raider Readers, our reading support given free in schools.”