MORE than 100 primary school children from in and around Okehampton took part in a special netball festival last week.
Year 5 children from eleven primary schools in the area descended on Okehampton's all-weather pitch last Wednesday to learn how to play High Five netball.
The game is a shortened version of normal netball and designed, in a similar way to tag rugby, to introduce youngsters to the sport.
The event was organised through the School Sports Partnership and saw children learn new skills and take part in game training.
Some of the teachers from the primary schools also took part in special training sessions with members of England Netball. It is hoped they will be able to continue the children's development in the game throughout the year.
School sports co-ordinator Stuart Lord said: 'It's been a fantastic day, the kids have all really enjoyed themselves.
'Days like this help them form friendships with children from other schools and really engender a sense of teamwork.'
For many of the children it was their first experience of the sport. High Five netball is a high energy form of the game and, by fostering the spirit of it in sessions such as this, it is hoped many will take up the game when they go to college.
The day was organised by Wendy Raymond and Angela Herrod-Taylor who were ably assisted by Beth Pengelly, Helen Solomon, Lynne Strawbridge, Sue Yelland, Vicky Stevens and Linda Lee.