THIS is the first school team to win a new sports competition started in Wear Valley to encourage more youngsters to play sport and keep fit.

The winners of a new tag-rugby tournament are year three and four pupils, aged seven to nine, from Howden-le-Wear Primary School.

Wolsingham Community College hosted the round-robin contest, in which four teams competed, as part of a drive by Wear Valley District Council to promote healthier lifestyles.

The council has also teamed up with The Northern Echo, Durham Dales PCT and Northumbria Water, for a Chance To Live campaign along the same principles.

Julie Peart, teacher and coach for the team, said: "The children were thrilled to win, the whole school is proud of their efforts, but the most important thing is that they are enjoying physical activity."