YOUNGSTERS made a splash yesterday when they took part in the first Sedgefield schools swimming festival.

Pupils from five primary schools - North Park, in Spennymoor, Tudhoe Colliery and St Charles', both in Tudhoe, Bishop Middleham and West Cornforth - took part.

Children of all abilities took part in short distance races, team races, water polo, a treasure hunt and aqua aerobic workouts at Newton Aycliffe Leisure Centre.

Sedgefield Schools Sports Partnership, Sedgefield Borough Council, which provided the venue for free, and Sedgefield and District 75 Swimming Club organised the event.

Diane Snowsill, partnership development manager, said: "We have fantastic swimming facilities in the borough and want young people to know about them.

"The festival was not as formal and competitive as the annual Newton Aycliffe swimming gala so children of all swimming abilities could give it a go.

"It is about having fun, building confidence in the water and taking up physical activity."

All the pupils - aged nine to 11 - were rewarded for taking part with medals and special awards going to David Birch, of West Cornforth, and Lucy Briscoe, of North Park, for their extra effort and enthusiasm.