BLACKBURN took centre stage when they hosted the British Primary Schools International Table Tennis Championships.

Some of the best young table tennis players arrived in East Lancashire for the prestigious international event It proved to be another proud moment for St Bede’s RC High School who hosted the competition for the second time in recent years – and for organiser Dave Pilkington.

While there were no local players involved, St Bede’s certainly played a part in the annual event as students worked in partnership with the English Schools TTA - as did players from the local Blackburn and District Table Tennis League - to enable them to umpire the highly competitive matches.

Teams that took part were representing England, Ireland, Scotland, Wales, Guernsey, Jersey and the Isle of Man.

They competed in teams of four and the calibre of table tennis, as you would expect from players representing their country, was extremely high.

England struck gold in the boys event, with Ireland winning silver and Wales taking bronze.

Amirul Hussain of England was the individual boys winner with Joseph Roberts of Wales second and Josh Weatherby (England) and Art McLaughlan (Ireland) joint third.

Faye Leggett of Scotland was the girls winner with Anne Hursey (Wales) second and Mia O’Rahilly Egan (Ireland) third.

In the girls final standings, it was Ireland who triumphed, with Scotland second and England third.

Pilkington, who organised the event and is also an England coach, was delighted with the way the event went.

“The standard was amazing throughout the weekend from competitors as young as eight-years-old,” he said.

“There was a great sense rivalry but also friendship which was great to see.

“The weekend culminated in an up-tempo presentation ceremony which celebrated the sporting endeavours of all concerned, whether they were first or last.

“It was significant that all the competitors received either winners medals or commemorative medals to recognise their contribution to a successfull weekend of sport.”

A total of 30 St Bede’s pupils underwent formal assessment for their ETTA Junior Umpire Award over the weekend whch was funded by Premier League 4 Sport at Blackburn Rovers.

Pilkington thanked sponsors Belgrave Carpets and D and J Pratt (Mill Hill) and the Blackburn and District Sports Council for their support.