Aberaeron Comprehensive School is to receive its second award in less than four months for its efforts to get young people fit and active.

Aberaeron Comprehensive has been named July’s School of the Month after being awarded 5x60 Officer of the Month in April, which bodes well for the future of the harbour town.

The prestigious title was awarded by the Sports Council for Wales who based the honour on the school’s extra-curricular activities.

Since the 5x60 officer, Gemma Cutter, started working at the school two years ago, more children have been popping and locking their way on the dance floor as well as dodging and volleying on court.

23-year-old Cutter explains, "The most popular sports are the individual sports such as table tennis, tennis and badminton. Those children who shy away from team sports now have something of their own.

"A great deal of sports has been introduced to the school through 5x60 which includes dodgeball, table tennis, volleyball and street dance to name but a few."

Cutter has persuaded more than half of the pupils to get off the sidelines and take part in 5x60 sessions. The scheme is designed to get more secondary school pupils taking part in 60 minutes of physical activity five times a week.

She adds, "The variety of sports has really captured the imagination of the children and a lot of them come up with suggestions and ideas for future sessions, which is great for both me and them.

"The number of children taking part in 5x60 activities is high because it’s a non-competitive environment and a place where they can have a lot of fun."

Courtney, Alysha and Lisa, year seven pupils at Aberaeron Comprehensive School, add:

"Without 5x60 we have nothing to do and nowhere to go. Our favorite sports are Aqua Fun, Volleyball, Table Tennis and Hip Hop dancing. We enjoy doing sport at break times too and Gemma is great."

Tom Evans, another year seven pupil, says, "5x60 is fun, keeps you active and is great to play with your friends and make new ones. It’s great because we don’t have to pay or worry about transport."

5x60 has stormed onto the school scene in Wales with 98% of mainstream secondary schools now signed up.

All secondary schools in Ceredigion are on board which means that significant progress is taking place up and down the county.

Pupils are invited to visit www.5x60.org.uk and to nominate their officer.