MORE than 300 children from 13 local schools took part in the inaugural Tavistock Year 2 Multiskills Festival last week.

Organised and delivered by Okehampton Community Recreation Association (OCRA) and Tavistock Primary PE department. The aim of the day was to encourage children from different schools to work together, develop new skills, build confidence, enthuse them about physical activity and to have fun.

Taking part were Horrabridge, Whitchurch, St Rumon's in Tavistock, Meavy, Mary Tavy and Brentor, St Andrew's Buckland Monachorum, Gulworthy, Lamerton, Milton Abbot and Princetown primary schools.

On offer was a carousel of activities that all children participated in from fencing, athletics, parachute games, gymnastics, racket skills, catching and throwing games, football skills and running patterns.

As well as OCRA coaches there was also great support from local clubs and groups such as Mark Wicketts Soccer School, Tavistock Athletic Club and Tavistock Squash Club. Organisers thanked Tavistock College for use of the track.

Stuart Lord from OCRA told the Times: 'It was great to see the children having such a fun time, challenging themselves and always keen to have one more go at the activities. Special thanks to all the coaches for making it such a fantastic event.

'Tavistock Primary PE is working in partnership with OCRA and has an exciting programme of festivals and competitions over the year for all children — covering 20 different sports, supports links with local clubs and events, with an overriding aim to encourage children and their families to develop skills, friendships and enjoy being active.'