CHILDREN with complex needs have taken part in their first ever inter-school sports day after challenging their peers from other special schools.

The Dales School at Morton-on-Swale, near Northallerton, hosted the special event as part of the initiative Move – Movement Opportunity Via Education.

Sixth-formers from the Dales School helped staff stage a host of races and activities for guests from Springwater School at Starbeck, Harrogate, and Brooklands School in Skipton.

Move was piloted in America to improve the quality of life for people with complex disabilities, their families and the professionals who care for them.

It aims to promote participation and encourage independence and dignity. For some children sitting in a chair or on a bench represents a major achievement.

Children were also able to use the school’s cutting edge facilities including bikes and swings capable of carrying wheelchairs and devices designed to help them walk.

Principal Hanne Barton said: “It is the first time we have organised an inter-school sports day and it has been brilliant. It has been great fun and given the children the chance to use skills learned in the classroom.”