In the event at Eskdale, every school was asked to nominate three or four children. They were then split into four-week blocks with 25 children in each.

Mic Bates, the Schools Community Sports Coach, delivered multi-skills sessions with help from two sixth form Whitby Community College ‘Step into Sport’ students, Guy Taylor and Maddie Stamp.

At the end of each four-week block, all of the children were tested for key sporting attributes such as balance, agility and speed.

The 75 children were then narrowed down to 25 who were subsequently invited to attend a multi-skills academy.

Guest coaches then delivered six weeks of sports-specific coaching and the children enjoyed gymnastics, tri-golf, team body combat, rugby, athletics and cricket.

Sports Unlimited funding was provided by the Active Scarborough Whitby Filey Community Sports Network to pay for the sessions.

Pete Woolley, the Ryedale and Whitby School Sports Co-ordinator, said: “It was great to see so many local primary school children further developing their sports skills.

“All of the guest coaches commented on how much they had enjoyed coaching such responsive sporty children.

“After the success of the 18-week programme, I am hoping to bid for funding for a similar scheme next year.”

At the end of the last session, the children were given letters explaining how to get in contact with local sports clubs in the hope they could choose one of the sports they enjoyed, join the relevant club and continue to develop their enjoyment of that specific activity.