Over 800 up-and-coming Worcestershire athletes have competed at a major county games event.

The Worcestershire Spring School Games took place at Bromsgrove School on Friday, April 12, with 859 participants from across the county supported by 130 volunteers and young leaders from 51 schools.

The event was organised by Active Herefordshire and Worcestershire and community School Games Organisers, and funded by the National Lottery and Sport England.

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Children aged between four and 14 tested their mettle in five different sports spanning across 13 competitions, striving to win the gold medal.

Much more than just competition, the programme also promotes participation, giving young people a platform to enjoy competitive sport.

The agenda included a variety of events like Sportshall athletics, netball, infant agility, pan-disability football and teambuilding.

Inclusive and multifaceted, the event’s Central School Games Village hosted 11 different activities for pupils to learn new skills.

They got a chance to try their hands (and feet) at everything from bhangra dancing, circus acts, volleyball to functional fitness.

Stephen Brewster, chief executive officer of Active Herefordshire and Worcestershire, said: "Events like our School Games festivals are important opportunities to showcase a range of sports and activities, and for children to try new activities, and get a taste of competitive and participatory sporting events.

"We understand the importance of creating positive experiences for our young people to ensure a lifelong habit of physical activity.

"Looking around and seeing so many happy, smiling faces here today, and such great teamworking shows what can be possible when working in partnership with our local, community organisations."

AJB Sports in Education lent support to the games this year as the event participant sponsor, engaging with pupils and teachers.

Known for focusing on primary schools and pre-schools, the organisation offers school sports, wrap-around care, the Active Minds school programme, and school CPD through its AJB Fundamentals programme.

In keeping with creating a values-centric sports culture, the organisation introduced new Values Awards at the last games to celebrate its core values of self-belief, passion, determination, teamwork, honesty and respect.

Astwoodbank Primary School and St Oswald’s C of E Primary School bagged the awards.