'It's the most important skill I teach my pupils'

The art of map-reading is not often considered important these days - but one Cheshire teacher says it is the most useful skill her pupils can learn.

It is the focus of orienteering events Sue Fisher takes her students out on - as well as encouraging them to join spunch - satellite punching - events.

Participants use a paper map and compass to reach as many checkpoints as they can in a designated time, with their phones alerting them they have reached one.

"It's a life skill that I've given them," Mrs Fisher explained, "They get so much self confidence out of being able to navigate their way around."

Spunch events are becoming increasingly popular in Staffordshire and Cheshire, with more than 100 people attending weekly events.

Spunch events are organised by Andy Thornton, who plots the orienteering checkpoints using the app, MapRun.

Mrs Fisher clarified the term spunching, which has been a hobby of hers for a number of years.

"Because the app is run by satellite," she explained "In the olden days, with orienteering, you would have punched the control physically with a clipper."

Mrs Fisher said the events are a great way of exploring the two counties.

"I love going to a new place and then going down paths and tracks that you would never normally going down," she said.

"Then often I've been back there to take the kids."

She recently introduced the hobby to her friend Lisa Sweeney, who regards it as an accessible pastime, with participants welcome to run, jog or walk.

"I love it,” she said, “You're not thinking about the exercise, because you're so focused on finding the checkpoints.”

Spunch events will be held in Holmes Chapel on 15 January and Leek on 29 January.

Newcomers are welcome to sign up via the SiEntries website.