HUNDREDS of youngsters from across County Durham took part in a tag rugby festival this week.

About 600 boys and girls from 60 primary schools played seven-a-side games in the non-contact version of the sport at Durham University's Graham Sports Centre, at Maiden Castle, on the city's outskirts.

Tag rugby involves players tackling opponents by pulling a tag from a tag belt. The event was organised by Durham County Council's PE and Sport Development Unit and supported by the Rugby Football Union and school dinner contractor Chartwells. Alan Duff, of the PE and Sport Development Unit, said: "This is a wonderful way to introduce the game to boys and girls who can play together in the same team. There is no physical contact, which gives children greater confidence.

"They can pass, run and score, as in the full game, and all they have to do to stop an opponent is pull off their tag.