FOLLOWING an absence of 32 years, the Wight Orienteers and the Island’s Schools Sports Games, ran an orienteering festival for primary schools at Martin’s Wood, Newchurch.

Despite the wet and windy weather, 14 teams from eight schools competed for a shield last presented to winners in 1991.

The old Isle of Wight Schools’ League was disbanded when commitment to it waned.

Isle of Wight County Press: The Greenmount Primary School school team who won the renewed Isle of Wight Schools Orienteering Competition.The Greenmount Primary School school team who won the renewed Isle of Wight Schools Orienteering Competition. (Image: Greenmount Primary School.)

However, thanks to renewed interest from Island primary school teachers, Carol Taverner from Wight Orienteers and help from school sports organisers, Tony Harris and Andy Day, an afternoon of competitive courses around the woods was established.

Orienteering does not always favour the fast runners, as careful thought and quick decision making are key factors to success when map reading around a course, to find the red and white control markers.

Greenmount Primary School (Austin) in Ryde won the trophy for their overall success, with St Saviours (Skittles) second, and Carisbrooke Primary (Year 6) third.

To find out more about orienteering on the Isle of Wight, visit www.wighto.org.uk