BRITAIN'S Sports Minister Kate Hoey was at St Mary's RC Comprehesive School on Tuesday to officially launch it as a specialist sports college.

More than 250 guests from education, sport and business met the minister as she toured the school and she also had time for a quick run-out on the hockey field.

David Geldart, head of PE at the school, said he was immensely proud of everyone involved in the successful bid.

" We had representatives from every major sporting organisation in the country, as well as Damien McGrath from Leeds Rhinos, Dean Windass from Bradford City and Olympic bronze medalist Johnny Clay, who was an inspiration to the kids.

"Our MP, Paul Truswell was there, as was the Lord Mayor of Leeds. It was an excellent way to launch our sports college status."

Mr Geldart said he had met a lot of MPs in recent years and there was no doubt of Mrs Hoey's commitment and passion to sport.

St Mary's already has an excellent reputation for its work in physical education and sport and the new college status will help it to develop further and provide more opportunities.