HUNDREDS of youngsters entered into the spirit of the Olympics when they took part in this year's Herald Express School Games.

Four hundreds pupils from all primary and secondary schools in the Bay competed in a series of sporting events.

John Julyan, of organisers the Torbay Sports Partnership, said: "It's been great and very successful. The pupils enjoyed themselves and had the chance to try something new."

The Year 6 and 7 children, clustered in teams named after various countries, were welcomed to the Torbay Leisure Centre by top local athlete Georgina Geikie, who won four medals at the Commonwealth Games in Delhi last year.

The top pistol shooter opened the games and spent the day encouraging the youngsters.

Georgina, who won two individual bronze medals and a silver and bronze in the team events in India, is preparing for the London Olympics next year.

She was joined by 15-year-old local gymnast Jay Thompson who took time off from training to speak to the youngsters and encourage them.

Georgina said at the opening ceremony: "This is a fabulous event. It is about being the best, producing your personal best but most of all it is about taking part and trying different things."

An Olympic-style procession into the sports hall was led by Fred Rogers, an 11-year-old pupil from Mayfield School, who carried the Bay's 1948 Olympics Torch.

Paignton Community and Sports College represented Ethiopia, St Cuthbert Mayne China, Churston Ferrers Australia and grammar schools in Torquay were New Zealand. Brixham College were Great Britain and Torquay Community College Holland, while Westlands School were Italy.

The events of the day included archery, table tennis, futsal which is an indoor form of football, Bocca, triathlon, and kids athletics.

Lloyds TSB Paignton, one of the main sponsors of the event, also organised an Olympics-style Wii relay and a dance mat competition with the winning schools and competitors winning a console or dance mats.

Jamie Hutchinson and Brandon Kirwin both went home with the dance mat after winning the competition while Westlands School won the Wii console following a successful Olympics style Wii relay.

Hope Speed and Sam Camplin also won £10 vouchers from Lloyds TSB sponsors after winning an Olympics quiz.

Mandy Biddle, of Lloyds TSB, said: "I'm delighted to have been associated with the event.

"It was fantastic. The children all enjoyed themselves and the feedback we had from the two VIP sports local heroes was great. They loved meeting the children and talking to them about their goals and aspirations.

"The day's ethos was about respect and friendship and it definitely worked.

"I'm also really proud that Westlands won the Wii.

"I was very impressed with the amount of work which went in to organise the event."

Ellis Baker, 12, from Churston Ferrers Grammar School said: "I took part in the games last year. This is a great opportunity to take part in different sports and meet new people."

Samantha Facey, 12, from Brixham College, said: "I think it's a brilliant way to try something new and make some new friends."

Throughout the day the youngsters were shepherded by 50 older children who helped run the event.

Callum Lyden, 14, from Westlands School, took part in the event last year as a competition. This year he was out helping.

He said: "It's great to see all the children together working as a team."

The games, supported by the Herald Express and on line sports firm Pro-Direct Sport, were also sponsored by Torbay Council and the Torbay Development Agency.

Torbay Development Agency chief executive Steve Parrock said: "We are especially pleased to be associated with the School Games.

"The TDA is delivering regeneration via a range of activities and projects that will benefit the local community, including the improvement of sporting infrastructure.

"We would like to congratulate all of our young athletes. Their commitment and talent is commendable. Well done to the organisers, too."

Herald Express editor Andy Phelan said: "It is terrific to see so many youngsters being given the opportunity to not only compete, but to also have lots of fun at the same time.

"The Games have grown in popularity year on year and we would like to say a huge thanks to our sponsors and organisers, especially John Julyan and his team."