HUNDREDS of children dashed their way through Durham city centre as part of an Olympics-inspired event aimed at getting people involved in sport.

The finals of the Durham Dash! saw 800 children taking part in running, jumping and throwing events on Palace Green.

It was the biggest event since the launch in 2012, inspired by the London Olympics and Paralympics and aimed at getting children to take part in athletics.

A record 4,400 children, in years three to six, took part in the series, with 1,194 qualifiers taking part in the finals in Durham and Sedgefield.

Gillian Reader, a director of the MGL Group, which supports the event,said: “It was an absolute joy to witness the Durham Dash! event on Palace Green.

“Everything around Durham Cathedral is dwarfed by its sheer size and majesty, but the energy, laughter and positive ‘vibe’ of the Dash! was a fantastic complement to the surroundings.

“The children were buzzing with excitement, all 800 of them, and it’s wonderful to see so many taking part in sporting activities.”

Pupils from 48 schools took part in the finals.

Event director Mark Blackbourne said: “Both Dash! finals events were really successful, with record numbers of competitors and spectators. We are very grateful to all of the sponsors and supporters who have made the event possible and to our hosts for the finals.

“Hardwick Park and Hardwick Hall Hotel provided an excellent venue in Sedgefield and the backdrop of Durham Cathedral and Castle for the Durham Dash! finals was a very special setting.”

The Dash! events are delivered by Durham & Chester-le-Street School Sport Partnership (DCSSP) and Sedgefield School Sports Partnership (SSSP.