Darlington youngsters were seeking to emulate some of America's sporting heroes yesterday when they took to the basketball court.

Eighty pupils competed in the Darlington Primary Schools Basketball Festival, which was staged at Haughton Community School.

The tournament was organised by Darlington Borough Council's sports development team, and overseen by Tyneside-based Harry Wood, a Women's National League basketball coach.

Pupils from Haughton and Longfield Comprehensive schools volunteered to act as referees and help as team managers throughout the event.