An innovative scheme that is helping teenagers get fit has rolled back into Llantwit Major Comprehensive School in style thanks to a massive inflatable hamster wheel!

New 5x60 Officer Barry Cawte has joined the school, and one of the first activities he has provided for pupils to get involved in is water running. In scenes reminiscent of the classic TV show ‘It’s a Knockout’, youngsters have enjoyed the challenge of racing the giant inflatable across water without falling off and taking a soaking!

The fun, but physically beneficial exercise fits in perfectly with the 5x60 scheme’s aims to create enjoyable opportunities for secondary school pupils to get active by taking part in extra-curricular activities for at least 60 minutes, five times a week.

Supplementing the activities already on offer in PE lessons, the Welsh Assembly Government funded initiative is run by the Sports Council for Wales and is supported locally by the Vale of Glamorgan Council’s sports and play development team.

Youngsters of all ages at Llantwit Major Comprehensive School are keen to get their teeth back into the scheme, after sampling it earlier in 2009. Barry, an enthusiastic Dubliner who has worked in the fitness and leisure industry for ten years, is also the new 5x60 Officer for Cowbridge Comprehensive School and has a number of exciting activities lined up to tempt pupils at both schools into a more active lifestyle.

Following on from the water running, youngsters will also get the chance to try their hand at sports ranging from badminton, trampolining, fencing, street dance, dodgeball and Frisbee golf, showing that exercise can be a lot of fun.

Barry said: "I hope that in my new role I can bring a number of exciting activities to the schools. These physical activities can have a huge effect on the health of young people and by working alongside the schools I hope I can establish the 5x60 scheme as the recognised place to be before school, at lunch, and after school too!"

Delighted with the success of the programme, Chair of the Sports Council for Wales, Philip Carling, said:

"The Sports Council for Wales’ 5x60 scheme is proving successful in tempting pupils off the sidelines and into sport. Activities like cheerleading, street dance and now water running are encouraging even the most reluctant and act as a gateway to other more traditional sports and an active lifestyle."

You can find out more about the 5x60 scheme in the Vale of Glamorgan online at www.valeofglamorgan.gov.uk/5x60 or by calling the Vale Council’s sports and play development manager Karen Davies on 01446 704793.