THE sporting spirit of the Olympics brought the eleven primary schools of the Okehampton Learning Community closer together last week.

More than 1,500 children from the eleven schools participated in the Primary School Olympics, uniting the schools to celebrate the Games coming to the UK.

Stuart Lord, manager of OCRA, said: 'It was amazing to see all eleven schools get so into the spirit of things, and considering the weather, which limited us, the turn-out was incredible.

'It was a fantastic celebration of a whole range of sports for the youngsters, as well as dance and arts. To see 300 children taking part in the opening and all dancing together was really fantastic.'

The idea was first proposed a year ago by OCRA's Mike Reynolds. The week's heavy rain did affect proceedings, with many of the activities planned to take place in Simmons Park. After heavy rain on Monday, staff at the Okey Cokey indoor play centre welcomed classes from Okehampton Primary to the centre free of charge to play. Classes from Hatherleigh, Exbourne, and South Tawton followed suit during the week.

The activities also formed part of Okehampton Sports and Fitness Festival 2012.

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