ALMOST 250 youngsters from 21 different schools packed the playing fields of Salisbury Rugby Club on Wednesday for the biggest tag rugby festival ever organised in the area for primary schools.

The event was the culmination of a teacher training session for primary school teachers, with schools then following a six week scheme of work in a bid to encourage more schools to teach tag rugby to primary children.

A total of 24 teams from the 21 schools competed in a round-robin event consisting of six groups. The four highest placed teams then locked horns for the title of 2003 champions.

Landford, Durrington, St Mark's and St Andrew's led the way, but things were so tight between them in the second stage that the contest was only decided after the final match. St Mark's emerged triumphant and will now represent the district at the Western Counties Youth Games at Millfield School on July 12.

England women's rugby international Emily Cook was on hand to present the trophies, medals and certificates, and said she was impressed by the high standard of rugby on display throughout the event.

Louise Cary, Salisbury District Council's principal sports development officer, said: "This was the biggest tag rugby festival that we have organised in Salisbury district for primary schools. It was absolutely fantastic to see 240 young people all competing and enjoying tag rugby."