School sports days signal the end of the summer term and are a brilliant way to burn off pre-holiday energies.

But they have also raised a serious debate should PE mean fun or competition?

Staff at Drove Primary School believe they should be both.

And scores of students proved them right, as they exploded with emotion on the playing field.

Watched by rows of parents and teachers, their joyful support was all too clear to see and hear.

Cheers, claps, and chants of "two four six eight who do we appreciate?" filled the air as budding athletes tested their sporting prowess.

The Olympics it was not, but the day stretches young muscles to their full potential, besides straining many enthusiastic vocal chords.

Far from feeling daunted by the pressure of racing, pupils leapt at the chance to give their sports day a competitive edge. In fact they demanded the change three years ago.

Jackie Hanley, who organises the event with fellow teaching assistant Christine McKinlay, said: "We overheard some children complaining that the events were not tough enough. They wanted a 'proper' sports day."

So students were invited to vote with their feet and dictate the format themselves.

Mrs Hanley said: "We com-piled a list of request events and selected the most popular. It was a case of power to the pupils."

Although the four to five-year-olds stick with fun, team-based activities, older pupils prefer to take part in indivual events.

Mixing year groups, the children are divided into four teams yellow, blue, red and green.

Points are awarded according to individual placings.

Besides the glory of coming first, a gleaming trophy is presented to the triumphant team.

With sprints, skipping, relays and mixed obstacle courses, there is something for everyone.

Old favourites such as the three-legged and sack races also make entertaining appearances.

"Tying their legs together tends to result in a few tumbles," Mrs Hanley added.

But nine-year-olds Sheldon Essen and Hasaam Jahangir held their balance perfectly to claim first place.

Sheldon said: "Sport helps your confidence.

"I enjoy racing and it is only natural to push yourself to the limit."

His determination runs in the family.

Undeterred by a broken arm, Sheldon's brother, Zia, threw himself into dressing up, dribbling footballs and playing hoopla.

Zia, seven, said: "I am pleased Sheldon won and cannot wait to participate in real races."

Proud mother, Nuzat Jahan-gir, 29, from Swindon, was among the screaming spec-tators.

She said: "Racing prepares them for today's competitive world. But the main aim is to enjoy yourself."

All competitors are good-humoured and there is no cheating, save for the use of new potatoes in the obligatory egg and spoon.

Now offering a healthy mix of work and play, the hectic day is proving a hit all around.

Head teacher, Nick Capstick, said: "We are encouraged to have school councils with rep-resentatives from every class.

"Our sports day extends democracy from academic to athletic fields."

Provided it is safe, he encour-ages children to excel in what-ever way they choose.

"The races do not involve formal training, so everyone has an equal chance to enjoy themselves and produce spec-tacular results," he added.

And if anyone feels intimi-dated, there is always the opt-out clause.

But so far there has been full participation.

The beaming smiles and flushed faces bear testimony to a thrilling day of physical exertion and unadulterated fun.

For the third year running the green team ribbons adorn the silver cup but a fantastic time was had by all.