THERE was no doubt about the fitness of these children.

They kept themselves in shape by attending regular sessions of rollerskating.

And what’s more, they had become so skilled that they passed a safety test.

They are pictured at the Old Gaol Sports Centre in Abingdon receiving their badges in 1985. At that time, some rollerskaters were giving their sport a bad name.

They were often seen speeding through shopping centres, scattering and endangering shoppers. In fact, in many areas, they had become a menace.

But a special safety test had been devised by Fisher-Price, the toy firm, to teach rollerskaters how to behave responsibly.

The 42 children at Abingdon were the first in the country to take it – and all passed with flying colours.

They are seen above receiving their badges from Sue Stevens, Fisher-Price marketing services manager.

She said the idea behind the test was to instil into youngsters the importance of safety. The test was held not only in Abingdon but in 15 other centres around the country.

Does anyone recognise themselves in the picture?