THE annual Hoop Trundle extravaganza at the King s School in Ely provided spectators with the typical mix of fun and frivolity at the weekend. The trundle, which involves bowling traditional wooden hoops along a 100 metre course, is one of the most highly

THE annual Hoop Trundle extravaganza at the King's School in Ely provided spectators with the typical mix of fun and frivolity at the weekend.

The trundle, which involves bowling traditional wooden hoops along a 100 metre course, is one of the most highly anticipated events in the school calendar and is hotly contested by the school's sixth form students.

Four heats preceded each final and, in their bid to be first to cross the finishing line, a few of the scarlet-gowned sixth formers came a cropper, but every one of the 16 completed the course, their hoops and dignity intact.

Jonathan East, Alex Garner, Charles Kenzie and Oliver Moses reached the King's Scholars' final which was won by Jonathan.

Charlotte Bain, Martha Eddy, Claire Martin and Rosie White reached the Queen's Scholars' final which resulted in a win for Rosie.

The Hoop Trundle commemorates the re-founding of The King's School Ely by King Henry VIII in 1541. Having dissolved Ely monastery, which had educated children for centuries, he gave the school its first royal charter and established the 12 King's Scholars (boys). One of the privileges he allowed them was to play games, including the bowling of hoops, in the Cathedral precincts.

In 1970, the school admitted girls for the first time in its 1,000-year history, and three years later the King's Scholars were joined by Queen's Scholars (girls) at the request of Queen Elizabeth II during her visit to the school in 1973.

Pupils are nominated as scholars in the Sixth Form for their academic achievement. They become members of the Cathedral Foundation and also qualify for other privileges.