PLANNING for this year?s Devon Youth Games is well under way in West Devon.

The event is due to take place in Exmouth on Saturday June 21 and will include young people from across the Borough.

The hosts, East Devon District Council, have received an amazing boost as Olympic swimmer Nick Gillingham MBE has agreed to officially open the Games.

Nick ranks as one of the most consistent championship performers British swimming has ever produced.

Three consecutive European titles, Commonwealth and World Golds combined with Olympic Silver and Bronze in an amazing six year run from 1988 to 1994 led him to be honoured with the prestigious MBE.

Ian Hancock, West Devon Borough Council Sports Development Officer and organiser of this year?s West Devon DML Devon Youth Games team said: ?It is wonderful that Nick has agreed to open the Games. Having a celebrity who has achieved such heights in their own sporting career adds a great deal of prestige to such an event and will add to the overall experience for the youngsters taking part in the games?.

Devon Youth Games have taken place over the past four years at various venues. The Games are not intended to be an isolated event but rather a focal point to celebrate youth sport.

Trials for the nine sports that make up the games will be taking place over the coming months.

Sports include basketball supported by Kelly College, Tavistock, Athletics supported by Tavistock Athletics Club, Cricket supported by Whitchurch Wayfarers Cricket Club, Girls Football supported by Tavistock Girls FC, Hockey supported by Tavistock Hockey Club & Kelly College, Netball supported by Kelly College, the Okehampton netball league and Devon Active Sports, Tag Rugby, Swimming supported by Tavistock Swimming Club and the West Devon Swim Squad and Tennis supported by Tavistock Tennis Club.

The Games have been sponsored by DML and are being part funded by the Active Devon Sports Partnership.

For further information abut the Devon Youth Games contact West Devon team manager Ian Hancock on 01822 813628.