THE South West Youth Games will be held in Okehampton for its third consecutive year.

The event, which until recently was known as the Devon Youth Games, draws in thousands of young sports enthusiasts from all over Devon.

The games will take place in Simmons Park again this summer following the success of previous years.

This week at the annual town assembly, hosted by Okehampton Town Council, the parks committee announced that the games would be held in the town on Sunday, July 9.

Carole Holt, vice chair of the parks committee, said: ‘As we all know Simmons Park is one of the biggest assets that Okehampton has.

‘Last year the youth games were held in Okehampton for a second time. They will also take place again this year in Simmons Park because all of the events can be held in the one area.

‘The games are a huge boost for the town. The success of this is partly because of the recreation facilities in the East Okement Valley and our land forms part of this.’

The event attracts thousands of participants from ages eight to 18, who wish to take part in one of the largest community sporting celebrations in the county in over 20 different sports.