A NEW generation of potential sports stars struck gold at a mini Olympics for Wear Valley youngsters yesterday.

Schools from Weardale, Crook and Willington sent 400 year two pupils to the day-long event at Maiden Castle, near Durham.

Under the flags of the Olympic countries, they took part in football, rounders, aerobics and athletics.

After a parade at the end of the day, organisers presented each child with a gold medal to mark the occasion.

Alan Duff, PE advisor for Durham Local Education Authority, said: "Every primary school in the Wear Valley will be here during the event, which is taking place over two days.

"It is organised through the Wear Valley School Sports Partnership, which is part of a national strategy to raise the profile of PE and school sport.

"It is definitely working. It is very successful in getting children more active. We need the support of teachers and parents and a lot of them have come along today.

"This is not about winning competitions or being the best. It is about giving children the experience of sport and encouraging them to take it further."