HUNDREDS of schoolchildren in the Malvern Hills area have been in training to compete in a Tag-Rugby Festival on Tuesday (June 12).

The Central England Region of the British Heart Foundation, Worcestershire Health Authority, Malvern Rugby Club and Malvern Hills District Council have pooled their resources to organise the initiative.

More than 20 of the 32 primary schools in the Malvern Hills District have joined in - and a total of 300 boys and girls will take part at Malvern Rugby Club in Spring Lane, Malvern Link starting at 11am.

The programme began with coaches from the rugby club visiting the schools to teach the youngsters, aged eight to 11, and their teachers how to play tag-rugby, which has simple rules and can be played in gymnasiums or on playgrounds and sports fields.

Allison Rex, Health Promotion Co-ordinator for the Malvern Hills district, said: "It has been a great way to get across the message that sport is a smart way of keeping fit and in shape - two essential ingredients for a young healthy heart and to prevent heart disease later in life."

Gary Tolley, Vice Chairman of Youth for the rugby club, said: "The kids - and the teachers - love the simplicity and fun of tag-rugby. We are looking forward to seeing them put into practice the skills and lessons we have taught them at the festival."

Avril Irish, sport and recreational officer for Malvern Hills District Council, said: "The project involves as many children as possible and is an excellent way of introducing young people to rugby."