Polo lessons in PE classes are hit with children

Hundreds of primary school pupils are having free polo lessons at the sport's traditional west London home in a move to shed its elitist image.

Groups of 11-year-olds are learning to play each fortnight at Hurlingham Park in Fulham as part of their PE curriculum.

Their tutors include players such as Jack Kidd, who will be representing London in the second World Polo Series at the park in June. The best will get to show their skills at the event in front of a crowd of up to 32,000.

Kidd's model sister Jodie, 32, has also been watching the youngsters being put through their paces.

The former Strictly Come Dancing contestant said: "It is incredible to watch. The children need absolutely no riding experience. They are coached from a standing start to playing polo within an hour."

The children come from schools in Hammersmith & Fulham and the initiative is backed by the council. Pupils from Fulham's Sulivan Primary School are among those taking part in the workshop.