YOUTH GAMES: SUNDAY witnessed a celebration of sporting talent when more than 1,000 children from across the county descended on the University of Bath for the Wiltshire Youth Games.

Competitors aged between nine and 15 enjoyed an action-packed festival of sports including athletics, basketball, kwik cricket, netball and tag rugby. Hockey and girls' football also featured in the programme, as wells as sports for children with special educational needs.

The festival was opened by Welsh middle-distance runner James Thie and the event was accompanied by a live DJ who played music throughout.

A team of 244 children from west Wiltshire were selected from school festivals, trials and coaching sessions organised by the district council's sports development team. The West Wiltshire squad won both the athletics and tag rugby tournaments and finished third in the under 14s girls' football. The team also received the fair play award.

North Wiltshire schools also enjoyed a successful day on the track and in the playing fields.Lyneham Junior School were crowned kwik cricket champions and Wootton Bassett School lifted the under 16s girls' football title.

The two north Wiltshire netball squads, from St Sampson's in Cricklade and St Mary's in Chippenham, finished second and third after a thrilling round robin contest.

West Wiltshire District Council sports development officer Daniel Gleeson said: "This event was the icing on the cake after another year of quality competition between schools across the county.

"There was a real festival atmosphere with the emphasis on participation and enjoyment."

Zaya Morris-Capener, from North Wiltshire District Council, said: "It was great to see so many children enjoying themselves in front of some very enthusiastic supporters. "I spent most of the day at the netball tournament and the standard was very high. The children did their districts proud and I'm sure they can't wait for the next Wiltshire Youth Games."