YOUNG athletes showed off their talents at a major sport event at the weekend.

Hundreds of competitors, aged nine to 16, from County Durham and Darlington took part in the 2003 Durham Sport Youth Games at Durham University's Graham Sports Centre.

Teams were tested in 11 different sports. There were also events for youngsters with learning difficulties, plus several demonstration sports.

During breaks in their own competitions youngsters could try their hand at static rowing, sports aerobics, and tennis, while parents were invited to test their heart rate in a fitness challenge. Healthy eating was a major theme for the day, with free fruit on offer, plus advice on diet and issues like drug awareness and smoking were highlighted in a Health Village.

Events got under way with an Olympic-style opening ceremony, followed by the formal launch by athlete Allison Curbishley, the former Commonwealth Games 400-metres silver medallist and sports broadcaster.

Organisers from Durham Sport, a collaboration of local councils and sports bodies, will chart the progress of all those who took part to ensure they maintain and improve their sporting prowess.

Michelle Carney, Durham Sport partnership manager, said: "I really enjoy the youth games because it shows our young people being physically active and having fun.

"When we're reading about high levels of physical inactivity and ill-health, it's more important than ever that people work together to look at health issues and the impact physical activity can have."