MENTAL Health minister Clare Haughey had a spring in her step as she announced a free trampoline for schools programme.

Ms Haughey was at Flip Out Glasgow to announce the second year of the trampoline arena’s free jumping for schools programme.

Since launching in April 2017, Flip Out has provided almost 8000 free hours of jumping for 110 primary schools across greater Glasgow.

Now in its second year, the Rutherglen trampoline park is recognising the health benefits for children of all ages and is offering a further 10,000 hours to both primary and secondary schools across the area.

The minister said: “Being physically active is one of the best things we can do for both our physical and mental health.

"People who are physically inactive face greater risks of poorer mental health, and our vision is of a Scotland where more people are more active, more often.

“The Flip Out free trampolining for schools initiative is a great example of an innovative and fun project that can help ensure everyone has the opportunity to gain the benefits of being active.”

The arena, which is one of the world’s largest trampoline parks, is offering a block of four hour-long sessions for primary and secondary schools, between 10am and 2pm on weekdays.

Schools can use them for one class or they can be split across all year groups.

George Gallacher, general manager at Flip Out Glasgow said: “We’re delighted that the Minister is backing our latest school initiative.

"We had fantastic feedback following year one and this year we think it’s important to use these sessions to create awareness of the mental health benefits that exercise can bring to young children.

"More and more young people are facing stress-inducing pressures at school as well as at home and if we can help to alleviate these, even just a little, then it will be a great achievement.”

Schools from across Glasgow and the West are encouraged to get in touch on 0141 406 1600.