The Lancashire Sportshall League made its annual visit to Hyndburn Leisure Centre on Sunday with the second of three rounds in the series.

The innovative format takes the basic running, jumping and throwing skills and adapts the events so that they can be enjoyed in the confined environment of a sports hall.

Turning boards are used to help the runners change direction, the jumps are from a standing start and balls are thrown from a sitting position.

No fewer than 99 youngsters took part with athletes in the two older age groups no doubt intent on making the Lancashire team for the North West Inter Counties Match at Wigan on February 12.

While the emphasis is on fun, the competitive element is a key ingredient and last year three out of four Lancashire squads were winners at the Inter Counties to progress to the National Finals.

Preston Harriers and Blackpool and Fylde presently dominate the Lancashire scene, but East Lancashire is making inroads, and Blackburn Harriers sent their largest contingent for many years to this fixture.

The team were the third highest scorers on the day with more than twice as many points as they managed at the last meet.

Ryan Hurley with two third places was the pick of their under 11 boys as Amber Bateman was second in the long jump in the under 13 girls section.

Hosts Hyndburn have a strong tradition in the sport and they showed a vast improvement with fourth spot.

Shaun Conbay contributed 20 points to the cause after winning the shot with 6.34m and taking two second places in the under 13s.

Under 11 girl Alex Thistlethwaite chipped in with third in the standing long jump.

Pendle fielded a small squad but punched above their weight for fifth place.

Lucy Chadwick won the four lap race in 57.4 seconds for the under 11 girls and Jack Houlker was East Lancashire's most successful under 11 boy aided by second in the ball throw.

Sadie and Stacey Cook were consistent point gatherers in the older age groups.

The competition is open to schools as well as athletic clubs, and Holy Cross of Chorley has been a strong supporter.

Strangely there were only two entrants at Hyndburn although both Lucy Hankin and Rebecca Hodkinson made their mark.

Less surprising was the absence of Rossendale Harriers after 16 of their juniors took part in a Children in Athletics coaching course at Fearns School the day before.

The last match of the winter is at Blackpool on February 19.