STUDENTS from Sand Hutton Primary School are in the thick of organising an annual small schools tag rugby tournament.

The task forms part of an initiative to gain a reading champions bronze medal, which is aimed at encouraging boys to read more and to see it as a useful skill for life.

And as part of the drive, the pupils are also hoping to promote rugby league in the area with the backing of York City Knights.

The school’s endeavours are being supported by Jack Stearman, player and community coach, and Chris Thorman, the Knights head coach and former England captain.

The tag rugby league tournament will be held at Sand Hutton Primary School on Thursday, March 8, from 1.30pm, when six small schools will be competing.

Refreshments will be provided and there will be a raffle.

Each child who takes part will receive a ticket to a York City Knights game.

Each player who competes will also receive a medal for taking part and the winning team will be presented with a shield, which they will keep for a year.

The event has attracted welcome sponsorship from a variety of forms and companies including Newitts, AIMS Construction, Quantum Stores, the Duke of York public house and Morse Coaches.