MORE than 100 pupils from nine schools took part in the Northumberland Para School Games.

Continuing on from the success of the GB athletes at the 2012 and 2016 Paralympics, the games gave local youngsters with special educational needs (SEN) the opportunity to compete in a number of sports.

North East Paralympic swimmer Josef Craig MBE opened the event and spoke to competitors about his gold medal at London 2012 and his bronze in Rio last year.

Event manager Franki Clark said: “I’m delighted to have worked in partnership with Active Northumberland and Northumberland Sport to deliver a very successful, competitive platform for students with SEN, and the Paralympian Josef Craig was an inspiration to all involved.”

Ronnie Scheu, disability inclusion officer with Active Northumberland, said: “Active Northumberland takes huge pride in its inclusive programme, and will continue to build on the success of the games.”