SIGNING your child up for an after-school boot camp may sound a little extreme, but judging from the smiles on these young faces it’s clearly more fun than you think.

Pupils at Moyles Court School, near Ringwood, are among the first in the area to trial a new junior military-style fitness regime.

And although there was some mud and sweat, there were definitely no tears – just lots of happy, healthy-looking children enjoying an organised outdoor training session.

Their instructor, Spencer Cuckney of the New Forest-based company Fitness Master, says boot camps are a particularly effective way of getting fit.

“It’s a firm but fun approach to fitness,” he explains.

“You do need to make sure that everyone is under control and knows what they’re doing but it’s got to be fun and motivational too.”

Spencer currently teaches around 22 children aged between eight and 14 and is planning to launch more boot camps at other schools in the area.

“Childhood obesity is becoming a real problem in this country and most children only do a couple of PE sessions a week at school.

“My son who is six has been coming along to my adult boot camps for a while with me and he can run three miles quite comfortably now.”

Greg Meakin, headmaster at Moyles Court School, says it’s a welcome addition to the school’s programme of extra-curricular activities.

“Sport is genuinely for all at our school and this is something a bit different to create some more interest and get children involved in a new outdoor activity “It’s certainly not a military style, intimidating club – it’s more outdoor circuit training and we have lovely grounds here. The parents and children think it’s great – there is even talk of a boot camp for staff too!”

For more information visit website fmbootcamp.com