PUPILS from 16 primary schools in the Bishop Auckland area took part in an athletics festival at one of County Durham's top tracks yesterday.

The event gave children a chance to test their skills in track and field sports at Shildon Stadium.

Activities included sprint and middle distance runs, jumping competitions, throwing and relay races.

Alan Duff, PE advisor to Durham Local Education Authority, said: "There was a lot of natural ability on display. The stars of the future have got to come from somewhere and it would be great if some of them came from Bishop Auckland.

"We have given them a taste of performing at a large event in the hope of getting them interested in sport and healthy activities.

"For some of them it is a warm-up for the Durham County Primary Schools athletics festival in Chester-le-Street, next week, which is the biggest of its kind in the country."