HUNDREDS of eager young competitors converge on Durham for an annual festival of youth sport today.
Healthy eating will be the message of the day at Durham Youth Games, with free fruit distributed to the participants at the Graham Sports Centre, Maiden Castle.
About 800 youngsters, aged nine to 16, will take part in team and individual sports representing eight teams - each of the seven districts of County Durham plus Darlington.
Coaches will monitor the progress of those taking part in coming months to ensure today's event is not a "one-off" and they continue their sporting interest.
International athlete Allison Curbishley, from Teesside, will perform the official opening, at 10am, with events scheduled to run until 3.30pm.
Parents are asked to park opposite Maiden Castle, in the grounds of Houghall College, off the A177 road, near Durham.
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