PUPILS at a Trimley primary school have almost exhausted all the sports available around the area this week.From bowls to an inflatable assault course, pupils at Trimley St Mary Primary School have tried it as part of their sports week.

PUPILS at a Trimley primary school have almost exhausted all the sports available around the area this week.

From bowls to an inflatable assault course, pupils at Trimley St Mary Primary School have tried it as part of their sports week.

Jane O'Donnell, a physical education teacher, said: "We have already had a science week at the school. We decided that at the end of the school term to give them a taste of sport."

She said: "The head is very good. He agreed that we could wave other classes because they were benefiting in other ways."

Five-year-olds in reception classes to year six pupils have taken an hour out of each school day this week to learn a different sport.

Some of the highlights have included athletics with the Ipswich Harriers and trying out different sports like karate and fencing.

Professionals from golf, rugby and cricket clubs in the area and a teacher from the Dance East school have also helped children learn a range of sports.

Mrs O'Donnell said it had been a great opportunity for the children as they have played sports they may not have had the chance to play before. She said it had also helped the teachers as professional sportsmen and women have given them hints on teaching different sports at the school.

One day year five pupils learnt the game of bowls, which was an unusual choice for children because of the stereotype of older people adhering to strict dress and behavioural codes, but the children seemed to enjoy it nonetheless.

Jodie Fisher, ten, said of bowls: "It is alright once you get in to it but it's quite hard.

"It's not that tiring, it's just relaxing. The woods are a bit heavy," she said.

Alice Grimes, also ten, said that people generally thought that bowls was just for older people, but she said it can also be enjoyed by the young.

Basil Roberts, president of the Felixstowe Bowls Club, at Tomline Road, said: "Come and try it, it's the only way to learn. It's a lot of fun and it is a very enjoyable pass time even for young people. These kids are having a good time."

He said the club's youngest player, who was 17, had recently left to follow a professional career and although the club had some members in their 30s, there was still a lack of young players.

He said the sport was changing though to welcome younger players by relaxing the dress code so that women no longer have to wear grey skirts, but could opt for the more practicable grey trousers.

Also children at the bowls club were able to use brightly coloured woods rather than the traditional black ones to make the game more interesting.

Throughout the week sports clubs have been visiting the school or the pupils have visited the clubs. The school normally organises science or music weeks, but have this year decided to concentrate on sport this year.

Mrs O'Donnell said that staff, classroom assistants, governors and parents had all helped organise and supervise the children.

She said: "Everybody has got into the whole spirit of the school and has come together for the sports week."