A TEAM of athletes heading to the British championships were given an official send-off at a civic reception yesterday.

The team of 28 athletes, all of whom have learning disabilities, are heading to Glasgow for the Special Olympics Great Britain National Games, next month.

The competitors and their coaches were invited into Durham's County Hall yesterday to meet council chairman Councillor Ernie Foster.

The games, which take place every two years, are from July 2 to 8 and feature 23 sports, from swimming and athletics to judo, kayaking and golf.

David Jamieson, special olympics co-ordinator for Durham County Council, said: "All Special Olympics competition is banded into groups of equal ability, which allows individuals and teams the opportunity to achieve success based on their own level of ability."

Coun Foster said: "I am sure the team representing County Durham will do us proud and I have asked them to come in to County Hall to congratulate them on their achievement and wish them luck."