GLORIOUS sunshine and good luck blazed down for once on Chester-le-Street's sports fans.

Following last weekend's disastrous weather, which put paid to the one-day cricket match between Australia and Pakistan at The Riverside, leisure bosses were hoping for a reversal of fortunes on Monday.

Thankfully, almost balmy conditions ensured the annual outdoor sports day for adults with learning disabilities passed off without so much as a drop of rain.

Javelins were thrown, batons were relayed around the track and tug of war teams heaved at the Riverside Sports Complex at Chester-le-Street.

About 200 athletes descended on the venue from County Durham Care centres.

Ian Simon, Chester-le-Street District Council's leisure services manager, declared the day a success.

He said: "It was a superb day all round.

"After the cricket cancellation due to bad weather the week before, we had feared the worst for the sports day.

"But thankfully, the weather was glorious, and everyone had a great time.

"Athletes with a range of disabilities took part in what was a very traditional sports day.

To see their enthusiasm and will to win was tremendous, and it was clearly enjoyable for the staff to see them enjoying themselves."

Seventeen of the athletes who were competing yesterday have been chosen to represent the North-East in the Special Olympic national games, being held in Cardiff from July 28 to August 4