MORE than 500 youngsters from disadvantaged communities in the North-East competed in a street games festival.

Tees Valley Sport and the StreetGames festival was organised by the North-East StreetGames Festival at the University of Teesside's Olympia Sports building.

Teams of youngsters from Tees Valley, Northumberland, North Tyneside and Newcastle competed in basketball and football tournaments.

Taster sessions in a range of activities, including ultimate Frisbee, tag rugby, skateboarding, street dance and an Army climbing wall, were also available.

Football freestyler Billy Wingrove, who has promoted some of the world's biggest brands, including Coca-Cola, O2, Barclaycard, Disney and Sky Sports, made an appearance.

Martin Jenkins, senior strategic development manager for Tees Valley Sport, said: "We have recently appointed a StreetGames co-ordinator who will allow us to focus on the longer-term delivery of StreetGames projects in the heart of the local community.

"We plan to work closely with partners, including youth workers, the police and neighbourhood wardens to provide young people with exciting and innovative opportunities."

Plans are already under way for next year's festival and a number of other events.