It was a gala day for primary school pupils in the Helston and Lizard area when they took part in a swimming event.

Organised by Garrick Osmont, director of school sport for Helston and school sports co-ordinator, the swimming gala at Helston Sports Centre involved pupils in years three, four, five and six from 18 schools.

Hosted by Mullion and Helston secondary schools, the overall event was split into two mini galas – one for the younger pupils and another for the older two years.

These two galas were in turn split into a Helston schools gala and a Mullion schools gala.

The winning teams from each area – Parc Eglos and Landewednack primary schools – will now compete with the other winners from different areas, at Carn Brea later in the year.

Mr Osmont said: “It was wonderful to see so many of the schools take part in the area. This event has been running in the school sports calendar for ten years now and the level of competition has increased.

“It's great to see so many parents coming along to support their school teams and the atmosphere was electric.”

He said the gala was so important because it was the “first rung on the competition ladder” in school swimming.

“Many children are experiencing competition for the first time and this usually comes with trepidation and excitement. This event is the start and a taste to future competition.

“Taking part, having a go and success is positively rewarded with certificates and medals,” added Mr Osmont.

Sports leaders qualifying in a Betc sports award at Helston Community College were the officials at the event.

Kerry Trelor (Betc teacher), said: “We always use our sports students to help run the primary events. At Helston we are proud of the quality of sports leader we produce. It is events like this that give them the experience and courage to pursue careers in sport. These young people are a credit to our community.”

Competing in the Helston schools gala were Parc Eglos, St Michael’s, Nansloe, Wendron, Trannack, Breage, Godolphin, Porthleven, Boskenwyn and Halwin.

In the Mullion schools gala were Cury, Mullion Primary, St Keverne, Coverack, Manaccan, Grade Ruan, St Martin and Landewednack.