Children under eight will be able to develop their social and gross motor skills through athletics, as part of a new Mini Athletics programme coming to Cringleford and Eaton.

Hethersett mum Sarah Cole is launching the new sessions, which will bring the national initiative to the Norwich area for the first time.

Sessions will run at Cringleford Prep Primary School on Saturday mornings, from April 18, and at Norwich’s Eaton Park on Wednesday mornings, from May 6.

A member of Wymondham Athletics Club herself, Sarah has two daughters of pre-school age and knows the importance of keeping little ones active.

She said: “I have always believed that being active should be fun, and Mini Athletics fits perfectly with that. It’s about building children’s confidence and social and cognitive skills, through the disciplines of throwing, jumping and running.

“The activities get children using their imagination, working with other children and building their strength and coordination.

“As a mum myself, I know how important it is to get little ones to burn off some energy outside the house. I’ve trialled these sessions on my own daughters and they have absolutely loved them.”

Sarah is a qualified nurse and has worked as a neonatal nurse for more than 20 years, so she has plenty of experience working with children.

The sessions are aimed at children from walking age, up to the age of eight and are themed on a different topic each week, encouraging physical literacy through imaginative plat and movement. A typical session includes a warm-up, a movement game, a throwing game, races and then sticker time on the podium.

Sarah also plans to run holiday clubs and host children’s birthday parties.

You can visit this website to sign up, or to get more information.