THERE may have been no ice rink at the venue, but that did not stop children enjoying an ice hockey festival last week.

The event, at Spennymoor Leisure Centre last Friday, followed a series of coaching sessions led by players from Newcastle Vipers.

The most talented year five and six pupils from primary schools in the Spennymoor area were invited to compete in the tournament - playing a version of the sport adapted for sports halls.

It was won by children from King Street Primary School, in Spennymoor.

Ros McConnell, sports coordinator for the Sedgefield School Sports Partnership, organised the event.

She said: "The pupils had a great time in the school coaching sessions and the tournament, which gave them a chance to represent their school.

"It was a chance to introduce children to a new sport, so they can find something they enjoy, keep fit and build confidence and teamwork skills."

The pupils that played in the festival will have the chance to watch an Elite Ice Hockey League match at the Metro Radio Arena, in Newcastle.