Special schools from York and North Yorkshire came together at New Earswick swimming pool for their first swimming festival.

Five schools took part - Applefields School (York), Mowbray School (Bedale), Forest School (Knaresborough), Welburn Hall School (Kirkbymoorside) and Woodlands School (Scarborough).

The festival was the brainchild of Woodlands School sports co-ordinator Ben Noble of the Special Schools' Sport Partnership, with help from Sarah Hill, the Scarborough and District swimming coach.

Pupils enjoyed a variety of races in the main strokes as well as games called Sea Horses' Treasure Hunt' and Fun Relays', the latter involving teachers.

The festival was hailed a hugh success with pupils receiving certificates for first, second, third and fourth places.

Knaresborough's Forest School lifted the new trophy of the inaugural event that will become an annual fixture.

York now has the following clubs for these young people: Tennisability, Soccability, Boccia, No Limits Athletics and a new Netballability club, which has just started.

For more details on any of the above clubs contact Val French, school sports co-ordinator (Ebor School Sports Partnership) on valfrench_ssco@hotmail.com or by ringing 07795 465862.