Little did they realize what they were letting themselves in for when Kidderminster College Travel and Tourism students volunteered their services to help with an extreme sports day for local schoolchildren.

Organised by Wyre Forest School Sports Partnership, and part of a national initiative to improve the quality of physical education in schools and increase participation rates, the event was aimed at giving children more opportunities to have a go at non-traditional sports such as skateboarding, bmx biking, inline skating and rollerblading.

Wyre Forest District Council’s Fun Box - a mobile skateboarding facility - was used for the event at The Glades Leisure Centre in Kidderminster. And in true ‘extreme’ style, Doug Peel-Yates, 3 times British Extreme Sports Champion opened the event.

Helen Franklin, Travel and Tourism course leader, commented, “We were delighted to be a part of the event – despite the fact that we were rushed off our feet! The atmosphere and enthusiasm from everyone was fantastic! I was particularly proud of my students who helped not only to organise 60 plus children but also ensured that the much required refreshments were on hand. It has also given the students a real insight into event management and the responsibilities involved”