PUPILS at Princecroft primary school in Warminster were given the chance to brush up their rugby skills with tuition from a professional coach.

Last week, Jimmy Dean from Bath Rugby club, taught children how to kick and pass the ball. Governor David Roy invited the former player to the school to encourage pupils to take up the game.

Jayne Payne, an administration officer at Princecroft, said: "David has connections with the club as he was a treasurer there. We were delighted when we heard that a professional was coming to the school.

"Children aged from seven to 11 took part and they had a wonderful time and were enthusiastic about playing rugby in the future."

The school already has a successful tag team who won two tournaments last year. Coached by Tommy Sprangle, they are hoping for more success this season.

Mrs Payne said: "We hoped the coaching session would encourage more to start playing the game to help us win more tournaments this year. It also helped polish up the skills of the children who are already playing."

After an exhausting afternoon, pupil Stephen Brickell was impressed with the tuition session.

He said: "It was brilliant, and I enjoyed kicking and passing the rugby ball."