Sporting chance for villagers results in home win

The Commonwealth may be gearing up for its big games in India at the weekend, but Broadland villages showcased their sporting skills closer to home on Sunday.

Aylsham sports centre was the venue for rival teams and competitors of all ages and abilities to do battle in activities as diverse as archery, tug of war, bowls and football.

The Broadland Village Games were part of a countywide village games project running in Norfolk this year and next, and culminating in a Norfolk Village Olympics in 2012.

There was a home win in the large village section for Aylsham, ahead of St Faiths and Horsham who were second, and Drayton third. The small/medium winners were Cawston and Booton, with Lingwood second and Dickleburgh third.

Events have already been held in North Norfolk and Breckland, as a 'warm up' this summer, but next year there will be six heats with winners going on to a county final.

The games are run by Active Norfolk, backed by a �750,000 National Lottery grant other cash support from local partners.

Organiser Ellen Vanlint said they were aimed at getting people in rural areas involved in sports, as well as bringing communities together.

'It's about getting people back into sport, having a go and enjoying themselves,' she added.

About 100 people from 10 villages took part at Aylsham, where the events also included badminton and table tennis, Rain saw the rounders and tug of war moved indoors, but the tennis was finished just before the downpours.

For more information visit www.activenorfolk.org/villagegames or call 01603 697008.