YOUNGSTERS geared up for the Olympic Games by having their own festival of athletics this week.
Around 3,500 budding athletes from 120 primary and special schools took part in the fifth Durham County Council primary schools' athletics festival at Chester-le-Street Riverside.
Organised by the council's PE and sports development unit, with Chester-le-Street District Council, the event followed the Chartwells Durham Sports Youth Games for older competitors.
Festival organiser Andrea Gillon said: "With the Olym-pics just around the corner, this is a chance for younger children to taste for themselves the thrill and enjoyment of competitive athletics, using superb facilities.
"But, equally important is the social aspect of bringing children together to share the atmosphere of fun and enjoyment. They took part in sprinting, jumping, throwing and relay events and organised BT TopSport workshops."
School meals provider Chartwells backed the event.
Director Gerry Woods said: "One of the great pleasures in catering for youngsters is to see them tuck into healthy food and then thoroughly enjoy running it off."
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