PEOPLE of all ages took part in a host of sporting activities at a Sports for All event in Wear Valley last week.

Organisers 2D, a support group for the voluntary and community sector in Wear Valley and Teesdale, and the district council, aimed to promote volunteers week, from June 1-8, to develop sports clubs and encourage healthy activity.

The event at Parkside School, in Willington, was opened by swimmer Sarah Whewell, who represented England at the Commonwealth Games.

Volunteers have helped her throughout her career.

Sarah said: "From the age of eight I've been coached by volunteers, they've made a great difference."

Sports clubs such as the Spectrum Roller Hockey Club and Willington Cricket Club, and community groups from Durham Dales Family Link to Wear Valley Customer Panel, which all rely on volunteers, had stalls to promote their organisation. Sports Club development officer Nigel Douthwaite, said: "Today is about getting people to participate in sports that they might not get to in normal circumstances."

Activities on the day included football for boys and girls, golf, basketball and an ikedo martial arts demonstration.

Lindsay Wright, 2D's Wear Valley volunteer co-ordinator, encouraged more parents to help with sports clubs: "Parents will bring their kids along but we would like them to get involved."

In a bid to encourage people in the district to adopt a healthier lifestyle The Advertiser's sister paper, The Northern Echo teamed up with Wear Valley District Council, Durham Dales Primary Care Trust and Northumbrian Water to launch a campaign called A Chance To Live.