Schoolchildren are getting an active start to their day by taking part in Zumba classes.

The pupils at Ballacottier School in Douglas along with teachers, spend 15 minutes in the sports hall taking part in the aerobic workout.

The routines are created and led by pupils aged 10 and 11, who have been trained by two qualified fitness instructors, who went into the school to teach the pupils a range of high-intensity movements that can easily be incorporated into the routines.

David Partington, teacher at Ballacottier School said: ’Our Zumba sessions are a fantastic addition to the school day, getting the kids’ bodies and brains active before settling down to begin their classes.

We wanted to introduce something that got the kids moving, was enjoyable and could go ahead regardless of the weather - and I think we managed to hit the nail on the head with Zumba.’

Douglas-based management consultancy firm Auxesia is again sponsoring the scheme.

The company has supplied the school with a range of T-shirts to wear during the sessions.

Belinda Watson, finance director at Auxesia, said: ’We are delighted to once again sponsor Ballacottier School’s Zumba scheme.

’It is so important to teach young people the importance of being active, so we are very happy to be involved.’