HUNDREDS of Oxfordshire children will turn into soldiers for the day as the Army Schools Challenge returns to the county.

On Monday – national Armed Forces Day – more than 400 pupils from Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire will head to St George’s Barracks in Bicester for a day of activities including target shooting, laser clay pigeon shooting, a gun run and navigating through an inflatable obstacle course.

The students, from 32 different schools, will compete in teams with the winners taking home a bundle of sports equipment for their school.

Those taking part include Cheney School in Headington, Wheatley Park School, Gosford Hill School in Kidlington and Oxford Community School.

Each team will be mentored by a soldier who will be able to give information on the Army and Territorial Army.

Organiser, Major Sam Hull, said: “This event is designed to give students an insight into Army life and to experience some of the training that recruits go through.

“Each school team is allocated its own young soldier, who is there to help and guide them on the activities, as well as offer insight into Army training and Army life.

“Each year the pupils leave having thoroughly enjoyed themselves ,and take away a piece of what it is like to be part of the regular or Territorial Army.

“As well as experiencing hands-on activities, the students will also learn about life in the Army — the sport and adventure training opportunities available such as skiing, canoeing and abseiling, the on-the-job training and qualifications they can gain , plus the opportunity to travel.”

Armed Forces Day will also be marked at County Hall in Oxford at 10.30am with a flag raising ceremony, featuring buglers from The Rifles and a piper.

At the same time at South Oxfordshire District Council’s offices in Crowmarsh, RAF Benson personnel will join local dignitaries in raising a flag.