WINSFORD pupils represented Vale Royal at this year’s Cheshire Youth Games held at Macclesfield.

The 25-strong team, from Verdin High and Woodford Lodge, competed in the Games’ taster sessions but unfortunately were not among the day’s winners.

Due to players needing to come from non-competitive backgrounds, Vale Royal could not raise a team for any of the competition events – basketball, tag-rugby, badminton and cheerleading.

It was the 10th anniversary of the county’s school event and more than 750 youngsters from across Cheshire took part in a full range of competition and taster sports.

Apart from competing for the four competition titles on offer, pupils had the chance to try out sports which were new to the event such as archery, judo, futsal, handball, rowing, table tennis and racketball.

Warrington stole the show on the day, winning five out of a possible 14 awards with Crewe and Nantwich taking the fairplay award.

Vale Royal did have one winner, though, as the local authority’s mascot, Wilbur Wyvern the Dragon, claimed first place in the mascot skateboarding race.

Sport Cheshire chairman David Newton said: “The youth games were a great success and a wonderful showcase for sport.

“The great thing is that they provided an opportunity for young people to find out what sports they might like and what suits their talents. It also gave them the opportunity to compete together and hone their skills.

“We are particularly grateful to all those who took part, young people, coaches, volunteers, partnersŠ and to all our sponsors who helped to make the whole thing possible.”