A RUGBY international is hoping to inspire young people at this year's Darlington Community Games.

England international Tamara Taylor will meet hundreds of pupils at the event, which aims to encourage young people to take part in sport and physical activity on a regular basis.

More than 500 pupils from 23 primary schools across Darlington will take part the event, which includes football, tennis, tag rugby, bouldering, athletics and cricket.

To prepare for the games, pupils have taken part in more than 120 hours of coaching provided by local sports coaches and Darlington Borough Council's sports development team.

The focus of the games is on the enjoyment of taking part rather than competition. Pupils taking part in the event will receive a free t-shirt, goody bag and medal.

Steve Harker, the council's cabinet member for health and leisure, said: "The Darlington Community Games is a great way for local children to have some fun and get active. The pupils have worked really hard to prepare for the games through hours of coaching sessions. Hopefully, as many children as possible will keep up their interest in sport and go on to join local clubs to make sport part of their routine."

This year's event is funded by NHS Darlington. The Darlington Community Games first took place in 2007.

Miriam Davidson, director of public health in Darlington, said: "We see the games as an important part of the wider strategy to improve the health and well-being of young people. As well as having fun, young people are increasing their physical activity which has many health benefits."