The fund-raising event was organised by year four teacher Lynne Duffield.

She said: “All our children from four to 11 had to skip for an hour.

“They did it in relays, they did all sorts of sponsored skipping rope events and games to raise money for the British Heart Foundation as well as school funds.

“We did it from 9.30am through the full school day.

“It was meant to be outside but it rained so we did it inside in the school hall.

“We did fun things like skipping games and relays of five and six.

“Children are encouraged to exercise their hearts and co-ordination skills, and it’s great fun too.

“It was a perfect way for skipping in school in an enjoyable, educational and vibrant way.”

Jump Rope For Heart is the British Heart Foundation’s popular sponsored skipping challenge, which raises money both for schools and the nation’s heart charity.

It takes its name from the American term for skipping – jump rope.

Schools get to keep 20% of the money raised and 80% of the money raised goes towards the British Heart Foundation’s life-saving work.

The Whitby pupils raised over £500.