THOUSANDS of children, including a team from West Devon, are gearing themselves up for annual Devon Games to Inspire, which this year will be hosted by Torbay Council on Sunday.

Children between the ages of eight and 16 will compete in a range of sporting activities from volleyball and netball at Torre Abbey Meadows and beach events on Torre Abbey Sands in Torquay and street sports at Parkfield in Paignton.

The Olympic-inspired event will have representatives from ten local authorities competing — having qualified in the trials that took place between February and April.

A spectacular procession of athletes begins at 8.45 am. There will also be have-a-go activities for everyone visiting the event from 10am onwards. These include giant paint by numbers, archery, Arsenal soccer school, interactive RAF stand, badminton Ready Set Go Athletics and 5-a-day-fitness at Torre Abbey Meadows. Free climbing will be available at Parkfield and Lee Musselwhite, UK Flat Lander Champion, will be undertaking displays.

For the first time, the event will also take place on the beach to include sailing.

Sports this year also include triathlon, cricket, gymnastics, quicksticks hockey, netball, high 5s, netball, tennis, volleyball, street sports including BMX and skateboard, table tennis, Boccia and table cricket.