A group of children from Howden-le-Wear have become the first school team to win a sports competition started in Wear Valley to encourage more youngsters to play sport and keep fit.

The winners of the tag rugby tournament were a team of year three and year four pupils, aged seven to nine, from Howden-le-Wear Primary School.

Wolsingham Community College hosted the round-robin contest, in which four teams competed, as part of a drive by Wear Valley District Council to promote healthier lifestyles.

The council has also linked with The Northern Echo, Durham Dales Primary Care Trust and Northumbria Water, for the A Chance To Live campaign.

Julie Peart, teacher and team coach, said: "Tag rugby is a great game because it is full of energy and boys and girls can all play it and bring different qualities to the game. The children were thrilled to win. The whole school is proud of their efforts, but the most important thing is that they are enjoying physical activity."