PUPILS from Unity College in Burnley have secured a place at the largest youth sporting event in the county after taking victory in boys’ handball.

The students battled it out against two other schools to bag the top spot, and will now go on to represent Burnley at the SPAR Lancashire School Games county finals where they will compete against teams from 14 other Lancashire districts to be named county champions in boys’ handball.

Unity College stormed to success by beating Hameldon College 7-0 before battling it out against Sir John Thursby Community College for a coveted place at the county finals, which they achieved with a 3-0 victory.

Now in its tenth year, the SPAR Lancashire School Games comprises two main events designed to give all children the opportunity to participate in competitive sport. The Disability Swimming Gala took place on March 16 at Lancaster’s Salt Ayre Sports Centre, while the county finals event will be held at Stanley Park in Blackpool on July 5.

Helen Tyson, who is the school games organiser for Burnley and arranged the event, said: “Handball is fun, fast-paced and highly competitive, and all three teams really gave it their all.

“I’d like to congratulate Unity College for a fantastic performance, as well as thanking them for hosting event. I’d also like to thank staff from all three schools for officiating on the day. Here’s to more success at the county finals in Blackpool in July.”

Over 2,400 youngsters are expected to take part in the event this summer, a result of the legacy of the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic games, which inspired thousands of children to participate in competitive sport. Pupils from 15 county districts will battle it out to be crowned champions in sports including rounders, tennis, orienteering, netball, athletics and gymnastics.

Organised by Lancashire Sport Partnership, the event is implemented by the county’s school games organisers and sponsored by James Hall & Company Ltd, the SPAR distributors for the North of England. It is part of the national £128m school games programme.