FORGET Japan and Korea - Lancashire's young sports people will be focused on events at Salt Ayre sports centre this weekend.

The centre hosts this year's Lancashire Youth Games, expected to attract 400 volunteers, 2,000 spectators and a further 1,500 young people who will compete in athletics, rugby union, girls' football, swimming, cricket, basketball and boccia.Richard Hammond, sports development manager for Lancaster City Council, said: "For many young people the Youth Games will be their first County competitive opportunity and although I am sure for some, winning will be the aim of the day, the greater emphasis will be on fun and young people coming together to celebrate sport."

Stewart Kellett, chief executive of the Lancashire Sport Partnership, said: "This year the girls' football, rugby union, cricket and swimming events are built on the foundation work that has been carried out through the Active Sport Programme across the County over the last 18 months.

"The programme, which is targeted at a selected number of sports, is designed to get more young people including young disabled people, playing, staying and progressing in sport, while at the same time increasing the number and quality of sports coaches and leaders in sport."

As well as the action on the field, families will be able to enjoy a variety of activities, including samba bands, circus skills, face painting and army displays.

The action takes place from 10am to 6pm and includes a VIP reception for the mayors of each of the 14 competing districts.