PUPILS got in the saddle at Ardgowan Riding Centre in Inverkip as part of a sports project to encourage youngsters to become more active.

First-year children from Greenock High have been attending the centre as part of the school sports co-ordinator scheme to give them the chance to try out new activities.

Eight children have been learning how to ride and look after the horses in the six-week pilot project.

Kerry Blance, who is a languages teacher at the school and a sports co-ordinator, said: 'It gives children a taster of a sport they might not have thought of trying before.

'We hope it will also forge links with the centre and might encourage pupils to take up horse riding in their own time.' She added that the sports project, which has been running for the past three years with money from the lottery and sportscotland, had been very successful and bids were already in place to secure funding permanently.

Kevin McAllister, who wants to be a vet, said: 'It"s really enjoyable. It means you can learn about what the different parts of the horse are called.' Instructor Emma Wright said: 'They are all doing very well and are enjoying their time here.' Greenock Academy pupils have also been attending the centre as part of their activities week.