Gowerton Comprehensive School has been named 5x60 School of the Month for September for its efforts to get young people fit and active.

The prestigious title was awarded by the Sports Council for Wales who based the honour on the school’s extra-curricular activities. 5x60 is designed to get more secondary school pupils taking part in 60 minutes of physical activity five times a week.

Since the 5x60 officer, Sarah McCoubrey, started working at the school in 2004, more children have been dancing, surfing and sprinting.

27-year-old McCoubrey explains, "The most popular activity at the school has been the streetdance sessions. We compete in local and national dance competitions and now have three clubs running in the school - the children have really benefited from the experience.

"Other popular activities include cheerleading, badminton, fencing, basketball and netball sessions to name but a few. We have roughly 10 sports activities at the school now, so there’s plenty of choice for everyone.

McCoubrey has attracted almost 45% of her pupils to take part in 5x60 activities at the schools. She adds, "Pupils often stop me with suggestions about other sports sessions and activities, which is great and very productive. The children, as well as the school, have embraced this programme and the number of children participating is increasing year on year."

Gowerton Comprehensive also holds surfing, rock climbing, girls football, lacrosse, Tag rugby and cheerleading sessions.

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

The efforts of the Sports Council for Wales and Active Swansea, Swansea Council’s sports and leisure service, has enabled every secondary school in Swansea to get on board ensuring that more young people across the city have every opportunity to participate in sport and physical activity.

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