Youngsters enjoyed trying archery, mountain biking, fencing and other sports at Devizes Lions’ sports coaching weekend.

About 370 children, in school years 4 to 8, took part in taster sessions in 17 activities at various venues around the town.

The weather was dry and Lions club member Don Jones said it was a successful weekend.

“It’s about fun and exercise and the idea is for children to do taster sessions in sports they have not done before. We have had children who have gone on to do great things,” said Mr Jones.

“The most popular sports this year were canoeing, horse riding and the adventure activities, including the high rope at Braeside.”

The Lions received a £2,000 grant from Devizes Area Board towards the sporting weekend, which is in its 25th year.

Some of the youngsters had taken part before, including nine-year-old Natasha Franklin, of Potterne, who attends Urchfont Primary School.

Natasha enjoyed trampolining last year and tried mountain biking this year. She was pleased to find other girls taking part and found the first day’s training “really fun and exciting”.

After the second day, when the children put their new skills into practice on local tracks, she enjoyed herself but said the hills were more like mountains.

Owen Harman and Thomas Fielding, of Upavon, and Luke Fowle, of Charlton St Peter, all 11, attend Rushall School and did canoeing.

Luke said the best bit was capsizing, while Thomas said: “Some of it was complicated, especially when I was under water and had to remember what to do.”

Louise George, of Great Cheverell said her daughter, Maddie, ten, is still talking about her canoeing last year and this year she loved the fencing lessons.

Mrs George said the training was great value for money.

“It builds the children’s confidence to try something new and have a go,” she said.