ATHLETIC youngsters from primary schools all across Inverclyde came together to compete in a giant heptathlon.

Pupils competed against each other in seven different track and field events at Ravenscraig Stadium including hurdles, the long jump and races of different distance.

The winning team on the day was Ardgowan Primary with Wemyss Bay Primary runners-up.

A Commonwealth Games style ceremony was held to open proceedings, with pupils representing their schools and colours.

Poppy Docherty and Sofia Leslie, both from St Andrew’s Primary, were excited as they geared up to compete.

Sofia said: “It’s nice to see so many people from other schools all having fun.”

The event was a joint initiative by the council’s Active Schools group and Inverclyde Athletic Club, with young people from different secondary schools giving up their time to help run it.

Brad Cathie, Active Schools co-ordinator, said: “Everyone enjoyed the day, we could see the big smiles on their faces.

“Because of Covid it’s been really tough for some of these kids over the past two years.

"It’s so good for them to be in big groups again and enjoying themselves.

“I want to thank the schools and teachers for coming down with the kids as well as Inverclyde Athletic Club and all the volunteers from Clydeview Academy and Notre Dame High for volunteering their time.”

Inverclyde Athletic Club is accredited with Active Schools and offers training throughout the week,both for juniors and seniors.

Janice Hendrie, their coaching co-ordinator, said: “It was so nice to see children cheering each other on at the heptathlon."

While this event was solely for primary school pupils, organisers hope that similar events can take place for their older counterparts.

Janice said: “Events like these are so important for the kids, the volunteers and the community.

"This is the first event that we had but we’re hoping to have another one with secondary schools too.”