A WALES-wide PE initiative has received praise from Welsh schools inspectorate Estyn.

Estyn released its report on the impact made by the PE and School Sport Initiative, managed by the Sports Council for Wales and funded by the Welsh Assembly.

It has concluded that the programme, which operated in every authority in Wales, is making a significant impact on the quality of PE, extending the range of opportunities and improving standards.

Primary school standards, particularly in gymnastics and dance, have improved considerably, secondary participation rates, particularly those of girls, have increased and secondary schools which specialise in physical education now systematically share facilities with partner primary schools.

Most schools involved have increased the time they allocate to PE to two hours a week.

Sports Council for Wales Chief Executive Dr Huw Jones said: 'Good foundations have been put in place. As with any new project there have been successful aspects and lessons learnt.

'Quality PE and School Sport experiences are essential to encourage and maintain healthy levels of physical activity.'