CHILDREN of all ages are being encouraged to get out into the fresh air and have fun jumping in puddles this February half-term at the Welsh Puddle Jumping Championships held at WWT Llanelli Wetland Centre.

The competition is part of WWT’s Big Splash, a national puddle jumping championship taking place across the UK at all nine WWT wetland centres.

At each centre, kids (and big kids) will be able to compete against each other to see who can produce the biggest splash from their puddle jump. They will also be judged on their enthusiasm, creativity and jumping style.

Nigel Williams, Centre Manager at WWT Llanelli Wetland Centre said: “We know that children love nothing more than to splash about in puddles, so we thought we’d give them the chance to channel their inner splasher through our Welsh Puddle Jumping Championships.

It’s a lot of fun and we know that children who love puddles often grow up to be adults that love the outdoors. So through the Big Splash we’re gently nurturing a love that may help protect wetlands and the wildlife that depend on them for years to come.”

Daily winners will be announced at the centre throughout half-term and each lucky ‘super-splasher’ will receive a fantastic prize.

At the end of half-term, the regional winner from each centre and the overall UK national winner will be crowned and receive further splash-tastic prizes. Every contestant will receive a sticker to acknowledge their puddle jumping skills.

As well as the main puddle jumping competition area – known as the ‘splash-zone’, there will be practice puddles set up nearby to help entrants perfect their splashing techniques. Practice puddles will be available to use all day with the all important main puddle jumping competition being held at 2pm each day.

And remember, the competition is open to everyone, regardless of age or ability so grab your wellies and waterproofs and have a splashing adventure at this brand new event.