SCHOOL PE lessons used to be all about netball, rounders and the 15 hundred meters, but pupils are now being given the chance to take up less accessible sports to widen their experience.

Students from Debden Park School in Loughton and St John's School in Epping are learning to horse ride at a local equestrian centre as part of a national Government scheme for young people.

Sport Unlimited was set up to provide a range of sporting activities for schools and aims to get 900,000 school children to take part in a different sport they would not normally consider, or have access to.

Pupils from the two secondary schools have been visiting the Woodredon Equestrian Centre in Waltham Abbey to ride the horses and learn about horse care.

Schools, Marketing and Events Co-ordinator Paula Hare said: "We are already working with four schools in the area so to have another two enjoying riding is fabulous news.

"Once again, feedback is extremely positive from the schools and the pupils are really enjoying their time with us.

"At the end of their ten weeks with us, all participants will be able to join our volunteers scheme and continue their learning, hopefully encouraging some to take up the sport further, or to choose a career in equestrianism."

The centre is planning to bid for more money from Sport Essex so that more schools in the area can benefit from the scheme and take up horse riding.