A MINI-paralympics will give hundreds of disabled children their first experience of the thrill of competition tomorrow.

About 200 youngsters will compete at the new Shildon Stadium in the first county-wide inclusive athletics festival for children in special and mainstream schools who would not otherwise have the chance to represent their school at sports days.

Described as a "mildly competitive" fun day, most of the challenges are specially designed to suit the skills and needs of disabled competitors.

Olympic 400m runner Alison Curbishley will be on hand to lend support and encourage the youngsters.

A team from Durham County Council's PE and Sports Development Unit visited schools last month to help to prepare the pupils for their first taste of sporting competition.

Geoff Sheldon, from the unit, said: "This is our first attempt at anything like this, and it has been a learning experience for us but we have found the schools to be very appreciative.

"The important thing is that children have a great day out mixing with children from all over the county. If it is successful, then hopefully, next year we can do it again."

Students from King James 1 Community College, Sedgefield Community College, Durham Sixth Form Centre, Bishop Auckland College and Shildon's Sunnydale School will help to organise events on the day.