MORE than 30 disabled children took part in a hard-fought "mini Paralympics".

Hartlepool, represented by Springwell School, were crowned the first Panathlon Challenge North-East champions at Eston Leisure Centre in Middlesbrough.

They scored 54 points to be declared regional champions, with Gateshead's Cedars Academy coming second on 50 points, and The Oaks School in Durham in third with 40 points.

Panathlon Challenge competitions include various sports played with adaptive equipment to open up participation to as many children as possible.

Lucas Wright, nine, of Springwell School, said: “I really enjoyed it and I love my medal. It’s a great colour. I can’t wait to show my mum.”

Scott Mallabar, PE Coordinator at Springwell School, said: “We love how inclusive this competition is.

"We can bring so many children of different abilities and they’ll all be equally active.

"It’s very well organised and relaxed, and the team leaders did a great job. It’s good to be the winners, too.”

Nineteen team leaders from year nine at Northfield School and Sports College in Stockton helped the youngsters compete in various sporting challenges with adaptive equipment.

Events included new-age kurling, table cricket, field athletics and races.

Michelle Wardle, a Higher Level Teaching Assistant from Durham Oaks School, winners of the Durham county competition, which took place for the first time this year, said the competition had opened up many opportunities for the youngsters involved.

“It’s nice for them to mix with kids from other schools and to learn different sports. We also get ideas for different sports to run in our clubs at school,” she said. “Most of all, they absolutely love taking part. They came into school today so excited, all kitted up and raring to go.”

Tony Waymouth, Panathlon Chief Operating Officer, said the North-East final had been “an unqualified success”.

He said: “It’s great to have seen these northern counties come together. Durham took part for the first time this year and, as a result, they’ll go back and raise the standard there – in terms of both competition and provision.

“We look forward to further increasing the opportunities to participate in Panathlon challenges across the North.”