SCORES of children and adults alike hopped, skipped and jumped in their efforts to be named hopscotch world champion.

Competitors strutted their stuff on a special grid in Market Street in the centre of Edenfield.

And it all ended with 11-year-old Mary Threlfall of Edenfield, being crowned World Champion.

Organisers say the event is the only one of its kind in the world, meaning winners were champions of Edenfield, East Lancashire and the world.

Five-year-old Emily Nuttall, also from Edenfield, was crowned junior champion.

Organiser Betty Garvey said: “We have got a wonderful memorial garden in the centre of Edenfield which was restored about six years ago with a hopscotch there.

“So I thought, why not have a competition? I thought we could call it ‘the world championships’ because I am not aware of any others in the world.

“We had a terrific response from the village and there were lots of adults enjoying it as well as children. It was a great day for all ages.

“I don’t see any reason why this cannot now become an annual event.”

Saturday’s event, which was sponsored by Edenfield and District Horticultural Society, raised money for Edenfield Parish Church.

And despite its old-fashioned image, Mrs Garvey insisted hopscotch was still popular today.

She said: “It is used by kids going along Market Street every day.

“I live right opposite the hopscotch and I see them running in and doing it.”