CHILDREN from all over Swindon and North Wiltshire will be taking part in the largest youth sport event of the year this weekend.

On Sunday, the Wilts-hire and Swindon Sport Partnership will be holding the Wiltshire Youth Games 2004, which for the first time will be open to pupils with special educational needs.

The event at Bath University at its Bath campus rather than the Swindon one is expected to involve 1,000 children aged from seven to 15. They will be competing in a variety of sports including hockey, cricket, tag rugby, basketball, athletics and girls' football.

Sports development officer for North Wiltshire District Council, Steve Silk, said: "The event provides the opportunity for young people to take part in a large-scale event, while providing a positive sporting experience and encouraging them to continue to play sport."