The first Active Play Festival was held in the fantastic outdoor facilities at Thorn Primary School in Bacup.

It was organised by Thorn’s PE subject lead and Forest Schools teacher Nadya Carter in association with Rossendale Schools Sports Partnership.

She said: “The children used all of our outdoor areas, using the adventure equipment in the Early Years Foundation Stage to show their balance.

“Climbing on the pirate ship and trying out the golf course and using the stage to dance and they also went on the sports pitches, and did climbing and explored our forest school.”

School Games focus on different values, and the sports leaders reward pupils for their efforts with badges.

Pupils tested their balance and other skills during the eventPupils tested their balance and other skills during the event (Image: Catherine Smyth) Pupils from St Anne’s Primary School, Edgeside, were the overall winners for showing the most passion.

Bacup Schools Holy Trinity, St Saviour’s and Thorn, along with St Anne’s, St John’s Stonefold and Crawshawbooth took part.

Many parents attended with their children and former pupil Zac Higgins, whose daughter attends St Anne’s, didn’t recognise his old school’s outdoor space.

He said: “The change is unbelievable and the festival has been brilliant, really good and all the Sports Leaders have been great with the children.”

Pupils received badges to reward their hard workPupils received badges to reward their hard work (Image: Catherine Smyth) Sports leader Megan Jamieson, 13, who now attends The Valley Leadership Academy, was a pupil at Thorn and enjoyed being back in her old school.

She said: “It is great seeing the children having fun doing lots of different activities. I was at this school when all this was being built.”

Six-year-old Robin from Crawshawbooth said: “I have enjoyed everything. I love the playgrounds.”

His mum Rachel Hardy said: “It has been amazing. It is really lovely to see all the children getting involved and trying different activities.

“My son was really not sure about coming along but he has had an amazing time because it has been really well organised and he felt supported by the older children.

“It is an inspirational and beautiful space.”

School Games organiser Nathan Bibby welcomed everyone to Thorn, adding: “This is the first time we have held an event in a primary school.”

He stressed the event was not about competition, but about having fun and being active.