MORE than 200 youngsters enjoyed their first taste of competitive sport when they took part in Durham County Gymnastics Association's Schools' Novice Competition.

Children from schools throughout the Easington, Sedgefield and Wear Valley areas showed off their skills in front of judges at Newton Aycliffe Leisure Centre yesterday.

Teams and individuals gave an overwhelming display in the leisure centre's Red sports hall to the cheers of spectators who looked on in the comfort of the balcony.

It is the first time that the competition has been held and organisers are looking forward to making it an annual event.

Katie Lawton, regional development officer for North of England Gymnastics, said: "This has been a massive success with a fantastic turn out, bearing in mind that the weather has been bad.

"This is the first time that we have run the competition and it has been really nice for the children to take part.

"For many of them it has been the first chance for them to compete and actually go home with medals.''

The overall winners of the Keystage Two years three and four title were Yoden Primary, Easington, the winners of the Keystage Two years five and six were West Cornforth A and Wellfield School took the Keystage Three title.