Pupils from St Andrews C of E Primary School in Preston are celebrating after securing a second place at the largest youth sporting event in Lancashire.

The ranking follows the schools’ victory in a high five netball competition.

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After battling it out against 21 other Preston schools, St Andrew’s will now represent the district at the SPAR Lancashire School Games county finals, which will be held at Blackpool’s Stanley Park on Tuesday 3 July.

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They will be competing against teams from 14 other Lancashire districts in a bid to be crowned county champions in high five netball.

The school has already been successful at securing a place at the county finals after becoming Preston champions in a recent quick sticks hockey competition.

Seven Ashton Community Science College pupils and seven St Cecilia’s RC High School pupils came to support and umpire the event.

Harriet Ascroft, school games organiser for Preston, who arranged the event, said: “Even though the sun made it fairly hot, the day was a great success.

“Every participant showed great enthusiasm for the game and there was some wonderful sportsmanship.

“The SPAR Lancashire School Games is a catalyst for getting young people into team sport and I would like to say a huge thank you to Ashton Community Science College and St Cecilia’s RC High School pupils whose support on the day was invaluable to both myself and the children involved.”

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Organised by Active Lancashire, the Games involve a series of inclusive sporting events providing competitive and participative opportunities for all school children across the county.

More than 3,500 children from schools across Lancashire’s 15 districts are now battling it out for a place at the county finals in 16 sports including gymnastics, football, athletics, mixed cricket and touch rugby.

New additions to the line-up have been introduced for 2018, including quick sticks and quad kids.

It is the biggest school games programme of its kind, and implemented by the county’s school games organisers.

This year marks the twelfth year the Games will be sponsored by James Hall & Company Ltd, the SPAR distributors for the north of England.

Over £128m of National Lottery and Government funding has been invested into the school games programme.

Does your child attend St Andrews C of E Primary School? What do you think? Let us know in the comments below