THE ARMY has presented a new netball tournament kit to Easingwold School.

The school's netball teams have proved extremely successful over the past four years, with at least one team qualifying to represent Richmondshire in the county round of the English Schools' Tournament each year.

They have also represented North Yorkshire in the regional round at both Under 14 and Under 19 level.

Charlotte Harvey, a physical education teacher at the school who coaches the netball teams, said: "We are delighted that the Army has chosen to sponsor the school. All the netball teams are doing really well in their respective leagues and they are continuing to compete at a number of major tournaments throughout the region.

"Previously, the pupils have competed in their school PE kit, but the new sweatshirts and polo shirts are a fantastic addition to this."

Major Chris Cunningham, Army Careers Advisor for North and East Yorkshire, who went to Easingwold to hand over the kit said: "Sport and fitness are a major part of Army life, which means that we are more than happy to support local youngsters in their sporting interests. The Army needs fit, motivated young people and we are always on the lookout for new initiatives."

Updated: 10:57 Wednesday, December 29, 2004