Beaming with the thrill of physical exertion more than 400 pupils took part in the sports day.

Regardless of results, it is a time to celebrate and socialise.

Good sports Gemma Thorogood and her father Mervin are still smiling in spite of coming last.

Gemma, 10, dropped her boiled potato in the egg and spoon race while Mervin, 46, was left trailing in the parents' sprint at Drove Primary School.

Taking defeat in their stride, they insisted that it is the taking part that counts.

Gemma, from Swindon, said: "I was a bit upset at first. But win or lose, everyone had a brilliant time."

Proud of his daughter's positive attitude, Mervin is equally philosophical about his performance

He said: "I was beaten fair and square. My racing days are over but my daughter will have plenty more opportunities."

And Gemma was quick to declare her victory in the relay race.

"We made a fine team," she added.

Rebecca McKinlay, seven, relished the chance to have a ball with her peers.

She said: "I am not very sporty but enjoyed playing games with my friends."

Her 11-year-old brother, Jimmy, managed to come second in the sack race, spurred on by "Go on son" shouts from his father, Neil.

And Chelsea Coates, 10, stormed to victory in the skipping race, thanks to weeks of devoted practice.

She said: "All my hard skipping paid off and it feels great to win."

Less luck was had by Charlie Kitching, 10, who came last in the three legged race. Taking defeat graciously, he still enjoyed every minute of it. "It is all about having fun and giving your best," he added.

His mother, Tina, 35, whole-heartedly backed this mature approach. She said: "Everyone supports each other. The sun is shining and they all feel on top of the world."

Reviving themselves with squash, the children enthused about their performances.

Lewis Mohammed, 11, said: "I won the egg and spoon. It was excellent. I would not have cared if I came last."

But his boundless enthusiasm was not shared by Megan Gammer, 6, who has already decided her interests lie elsewhere. She said: "I prefer swimming and art. Sport is not really my cup of tea."

And on that note of indifference, the children file back to the classroom ready to exercise their brains.