SCHOOL SPORT, GYMNASTICS: It took two tie-breakers to separate Baildon Church of England School and hosts Sandal Primary School in their gymnastics contest this week.

The first places were tied, the second places were tied, and it was only by looking at the third places that Baildon came out on top.

But although this meeting of schools where Saltaire Gym Club run weekly courses did have a competitive element, the main emphasis was on fun.

Dot Mainwaring, assistant head at Sandal Primary and their PE co-ordinator, said: "The day was basically for children who don't attend the weekly sessions but who wanted to give gymnastics a try.

"It was a really good day and there was loads of support for the 25 to 30 kids who competed."

Mainwaring added: "It was a way of introducing them to a more formal kind of competition, but it was a friendly competition

"The exercises, which were all on the floor, involved pairs, and included balancing and matching exercises, and emphasised the sports acro element. Some of the children who attended did go to the weekly sessions, but most of them didn't, although some of them have now expressed an interest in going."

Children who finished either first, second or third received medals, but there was no trophy. However, Mainwaring said she would ensure there was one for a return fixture, which has been arranged at Baildon Church of England School on July 13.

The co-ordinator at Baildon is Jonathan Duke, but at Sandal Julie Sheldon and Carol Drinkall from the Gym Club organise the sessions.

Mainwaring added that a

netball and soccer competition for the four schools in the Baildon cluster - Glenaire, Hoyle Court, Baildon Church of England and Sandal Primary - had been arranged at Sandal on June 12.