HUNDREDS of youngsters took part in a school rugby tournament yesterday.

Almost 300 primary and secondary school children from across the Bishop Auckland area took part in a tag rugby development day at the town's rugby club.

In tag rugby, players wear belts and rather than coming under siege from heavy tackles, opponents instead try to tag them.

Boys and girls took part in the event.

Wear Valley school sports co-ordinator Gary Purcell said: "It was brilliant. They have really enjoyed the tag rugby.

"It encourages them to keep the ball when they get it, running and passing and keeping the ball."

In the seven to 11 year age group, Copeland Road Primary School beat Toft Hill Primary School in the final while in the five and six section, Toft Hill beat St Anne's C of E School.

Bishop Auckland Rugby Club is running under-13 and under-15 teams and also hopes to start an under-11 team shortly.

Anybody who wants to get involved can turn up at the club at 9.30am on a Saturday or call 0191-384 9809.

There is also an under-eight squad which meets on Sundays at 11.30am.