MORE than 200 pupils from around Weymouth converged on Wey Valley School for the Year Five Orienteering Festival.

The day kicked off with students from St John’s, St Andrew’s and Bincombe Valley navigating their way around the unfamiliar site using state-of-the-art equipment loaned out by the Wimborne Orienteering Club.

Come the afternoon it was time for representatives of St Nicholas and St Laurence, Radipole and Wyvern to take to the course for 90 minutes.

Prior to the festival, Wey Valley Year Nine sports leaders and teachers went to each of the primary schools to demonstrate a range of orienteering skills.

These tips were invaluable as the pupils completed several routes, which developed their abilities in map reading, working in pairs, and stamina.

The day was organised by Tanya Eagleton, Di Tilsley, Mark Salmon and Jenny Boyce, while the 54 Wey Valley Year Nine sports leaders gave the children continual encouragement.

All entrants received a certificate and sticker for their participation.