YOUNGSTERS leant the ropes in a boxing class and got a taste for the Winter Olympics in a multi-sports lesson.

Tendring Council has been running sessions for children to take part in over the half-term holiday.

On Tuesday, some of the boys aged between five and nine learnt the sport’s basics during the 90-minute long taster sesson.

Martin Webb, the England Boxing qualified coach who ran the session, said he was very impressed with the effort put in by the youngsters.

“They all picked up quickly the basics of the sport and performed well,” he added.

“We hope to run a similar class in the Easter holidays.”

On Wednesday more than a dozen children aged between five and 12 tried a variety of sports, many around a Winter Olympics theme – with some of the international sporting action also showing on the centre’s TV screens.

Sports included indoor curling and hockey, as well as kick rounders, parachute games and other fun activities.

Christine Chitty, duty officer at Harwich Sports Centre who led the day, said the event was enjoyable all round.

She said: “While the temperatures here in Harwich don’t quite match those in PyeongChang, the youngsters really got into the Olympic spirit with our games.

“Everyone got stuck in with the team games and there was a fantastic atmosphere during the day.

“Events like this during school holidays are a great way to keep children busy doing something fun and active.”