York’s MP found himself tagging along when he dropped in on sporty youngsters at a city primary school.

York Labour MP Hugh Bayley and the Lord Mayor of York, Coun Brian Watson, joined children at Tang Hall School while they were getting rugby league training from York City Knights community coach, Adam Prentis.

The Knights community development programme is now in its sixth year and works with 10,000 children in over 100 schools in York and North Yorkshire.

During the year, the York City Knights Foundation organises many different festivals, including the York Mixed Tag Festival which involves about 60 schools and is the biggest of its kind in the city.

Mr Bayley said: “The Knights are enthusiastic about their role on and off the field and work hard to create an interest in sport and promote healthy lifestyles.

“Their commitment and enthusiasm enables children of all ages to enjoy and take part in the game.

“These young people are the future of rugby league and some of them will go on to become great and fabulous players.”

The Knights Foundation is committed to promoting rugby league as a fun and exciting game which can be played by children of all ages and abilities.

In 2006, they introduced the Tagability programme, aimed at providing rugby league opportunities for children with disabilities.

The programme has grown in popularity and now involves 12 schools from across the city and beyond.

Martin Lumb, the school’s acting deputy head teacher, said: “The children had a great time with the coaches and Mr Bayley was so impressed with the rugby that he decided to join in.

“The children are now looking forward to the Knights returning next Friday to coach them some more.” Mr Bayley played tag rugby with Year 5 pupil Isla Dale.

Isla said: “I really enjoyed being Hugh’s partner although he was so slow he never caught me. He was very funny and made me laugh.”