THOUSANDS of competitors and spectators enjoyed a hugely successful third annual Worcestershire Youth Games in Droitwich.

Up to 600 youngsters from around the county took part in a range of team games watched by crowds of around 1,500.

The competitions were played out yesterday at Droitwich Leisure Centre, Droitwich High School and Westacre Middle School.

Joint organiser, Sue Healy, declared it a "perfect day" with the emphasis on participation rather than winning.

Representatives from the districts of Bromsgrove, Malvern Hills, Redditch, Worcester City, Wychavon and Wyre Forest battled for prizes across the sporting spectrum.

The sports featured were: football, hockey, basketball, tennis, netball and tag rugby.

In addition there was music from singer David Graham and local bands Lolokeoki, Two of a Kind, Point Blank and Bliss.

"It was a perfect day and everyone had a brilliant time," said Ms Healey, Wychavon District Council's leisure officer, who organised the event with Steve Brewster, Wychavon's youth sports development officer.

"The games themselves went very well and the kids really enjoyed them.

"Parents brought picnics and the whole day went brilliantly with up to 600 youngsters taking part and 1,500 spectators.

"We had Simon Archer, the Olympic bronze medalist, who was interviewed on stage.

"He addressed the kids and said a few words.

"He told them if they persevered they could achieve whatever they wanted and they were really up for it.

"They were competitive but it was all done in great spirit."

Results and winners

Football - U12s, Wyre Forest, U14s, Wyre Forest, fair play award, U12s, Redditch, U14s, Wychavon.

Basketball - boys, Bromsgrove - girls - Bromsgrove, fair play award, boys, Malvern, girls, Wyre Forest.

Netball - U13s, Worcester City, fair play award, Redditch.

High fives - Wychavon, fair play award, Redditch.

Tag rugby - girls, Bromsgrove - mixed, Worcester City, fair play award girls, Redditch, mixed, Wyre Forest.

Tennis - U9s, Bromsgrove - U13s Bromsgrove, fair play award, U9s Wyre Forest, U13s Wychavon.

Hockey - boys, Worcester City - girls, Worcester City, fair play award, boys, Malvern, fair play girls Bromsgrove.