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

One of the North-East's newest athletics stadiums will host the first countywide athletics festival for children in special and mainstream schools, who would not otherwise have the chance to represent their school at sports days.

Pupils from Consett's Villa Real school and Harelaw, in Stanley, will be among about 200 taking part in tomorrow's event at Shildon Stadium.

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

Olympic 400m runner Alison Curbishley will be on hand to lend support.

A team from Durham County Council's PE and Sports Development Unit has been visiting schools over the past month to help prepare youngsters for the event. Spokesman Geoff Sheldon said choosing the right events had been a difficult task.

He said: "It is not easy to devise competitions which allow them all to take part, but it is worth it to see the pleasure on some of the faces at taking part in activities like this for the first time.

"This is our first attempt at anything like this, and it's 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 and open up the entry even further."

As well as track events such as slalom, balance and obstacle races, the youngsters will also try field events, such as seated ball throw, turbo javelin, target throw and standing broad jump.

Other attractions will include golf, archery, visits by a fire engine and police car, face-painting, magic show, play parachutes, aerobics and a games area.

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