YEAR Six pupils united at Budmouth College for an Olympics -inspired day of sporting activity.

An Olympic Flames Festival was held to teach primary schoolchildren who may join Budmouth College in September more about the seven Olympic and Paralympic values.

Pupils embraced a host of fun, physical, creative and musical activities-based on the original culture of the Olympics.

It was hosted by Budmouth College’s sports leaders and community volunteers to allow Year Six schoolchildren from across the area to mix with each other.

Teacher Jo Ray said: “Last year was our first year of holding such an event, which we thought was very successful and so this year we included more activities to last the whole day and encourage everyone to get excited and motivated about the forthcoming London 2012 Olympics.

“As this day was a huge success again we hope it will become an annual event.”

Schoolchildren, of each of the college’s feeder schools, were split into 15 groups and led by Year 12 sports leaders.

Younger helpers from Budmouth and Wey Valley School also helped make the day a success.

Rob MacDonald, of Weymouth Taekwondo Club, Francis Hayes from Wessex Flyers Trampolining Club, and Andy Haigh from Bournemouth University Tchoukball squad volunteered to get the children involved in different kinds of sport.

MacDonald said the day was a huge hit and many of the children enjoyed getting involved in martial arts.

He added: “Martial arts allows the children to build confidence and self-esteem. It was a fantastic day and a huge success.

“I volunteered my time because it is important to get as many children as possible involved in different sports.”

All other activities were led by Year 12 sports leaders and included drumming and rounders.

Each pupil enjoyed learning about the Olympic values of respect, excellence and friendship as well as the Paralympic values of courage, determination, inspiration and equality.