Hundreds of primary pupils took part in the Merseyside Primary Games last week, one of the largest mass-participation events in the country.

More than 800 children competed in seven sports last Wednesday as part of the games, which were linked to the London 2012 Olympics.

The event took place at Wavertree Sports Park, Liverpool, and featured competitors receiving gold, silver and bronze medals in each of the sporting disciplines.

Pupils taking part were asked to pledge that they would achieve something between now and 2012 as a way of linking their activities to the Olympics.

Merseyside Primary Games has been backed by Olympic and Paralympic medallists Steve Parry, Steve Smith and Mark Eccleston.

Steve Parry, who won a bronze swimming medal in the Athens Olympics, said: “Competition at primary school level is vital to a child’s personal development ...

“Merseyside has always produced amazing sporting talent and we may get a glimpse of the next generation of champs from this competition.” RV.