YOUNG sportsmen and women showcased their talents in a major mass participation event at the weekend.

Hundreds of competitors, aged nine to 16, came together from all parts of County Durham and Darlington to take part in a day of sporting activity.

The sun shone virtually throughout the 2003 Durham Sport Youth Games, but even a 20-minute early afternoon downpour failed to dampen enthusiasm among the competitors.

The sprawling grounds of Durham University's Graham Sports Centre, at Maiden Castle, near Durham, provided the setting for a packed programme of competition.

Teams from Darlington and each of the seven districts of County Durham took part in 11 different sports.

There were also events tailored for participants 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 even issues such as drug awareness and smoking were highlighted in the 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 400m silver medallist and sports broadcaster toured the site during the games to offer encouragement, and later gave a motivational speech and answered audience questions.

Efforts are to be made to ensure Saturday's games are not a mere one-off sports event.

Organisers from Durham Sport, a collaboration of local councils and sports bodies, aim to chart the progress of all those taking part to help them to maintain and improve their sporting prowess.

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

"At a time when we are reading about high levels of physical inactivity and ill-health, it is more important than ever that the health and sports sectors work closely to look at health issues and the impact sport and physical activity can have."

Saturday's games were backed by the primary care trusts of Durham and Chester-le-Street, Durham Dales and Derwentside.