OKEHAMPTON Sports and Fitness Festival has had an exceptional year, smashing the previous record for the number of participants taking part.

Around 4,000 people took part in the diverse week-long programme of events, which included taster sessions as well as competitions.

The event attracted more than 1,900 people last year, but with the Devon Games to Inspire and the Primary School Olympics week, 2012 has been a bumper year for the event, which is now in its twelfth year.

Manager of OCRA Stuart Lord said: 'The week has gone really well, with record numbers of people turning out to get involved.

'Yet again the town's sports clubs have outdone themselves, throwing themselves into the week and really making it a great success.

'It is such a fantastic sight to see so many people getting involved with sport and taking part in things they may not otherwise try out. The have-a-go sessions always prove to be popular, and particularly so this year.

'People seem to find trying something in that week to be particularly good, as there are so many people trying a sport out for the first time.'

The week's events culminated in a Super Sporting Sunday in Simmons Park on July 8.

Those with a competitive streak tested themselves in the hockey, five-a-side football and putting competitions, or took part in the Moor Than 10K Run.

Other activities on the finale day included badminton, tennis, swimming, art and sports demonstrations. The five-a-side football competition had a record number of entries.

This year's festival was a 2012 Olympic Games Legacy Event, linked with Community Games, Active Villages and Schools Games.

OCRA expressed thanks to everyone who contributed to the festival's success, and grant giving bodies Okehampton United Charity, Okehampton Lions, Okehampton Rotary Club, Okehampton Round Table, Brookite, West Devon Borough Council, and the Manor House Hotel.

You can download pictures and information about the festival from http://www.ocrasport.org.uk">www.ocrasport.org.uk