More than 2,300 children at 23 schools across Pembrokeshire have benefited from extra sport and physical activity sessions over the last three years, thanks to a grant of £55,000 from the Big Lottery Fund.

The initiative is one of many organised for junior schools by Sport Pembrokeshire - the sport development division of Pembrokeshire County Council.

Activities have included gymnastics, football, tennis, swimming, cycling, and speed, agility and quickness (SAQ).

"The aim has been to encourage children to take part in sport and physical activity," said Councillor Rob Lewis, Cabinet Member for Sports, Leisure, Tourism and Cultural Services.

"Such initiatives have a major impact on participation numbers, and the children have benefited enormously from the expertise of coaches coming to each school and running sports-specific sessions."

The project included the provision of lesson plans, training opportunities, mentoring opportunities and end of term festivals.

Councillor Lewis said Pembrokeshire had an excellent record for primary school participation in sport.

"A recent Sports Council for Wales survey showed that Pembrokeshire has the highest participation rate in Wales for primary school children participating in club-based sport every week - with 71% of pupils taking part," he said.

To mark the success of the Big Lottery initiative, gymnastic displays were organised by Sport Pembrokeshire in Haverfordwest and Fishguard.

All children participating were awarded a medal for the excellent gym displays which they performed.

Special awards were also given to each school participating for the most improved gymnast and an award for outstanding effort.

Caption: Pictured at Fishguard Leisure Centre are the children who won awards for most improved gymnast; (Luke Brooks, Fishguard Junior, Chloe Antonen, Holy Name, Catrin Llewellyn, Puncheston, Georgina Hayes, Goodwick, Angharard James and Laural Ford, After School Clubs) and outstanding effort (Llinos Griffiths, Fishguard Junior, Rebecca Heys, Holy Name, Rachel Renricco, Puncheston, Ben Phillips, Goodwick, Carly Lambe and Sophie Morse (After School Clubs). They are pictured with Rob Tweed, Sports Development Officer, Rachel Hughes from Haverfordwest Gymnastics Club and Councillor Rob Lewis.