CROSFIELDS School opened their brand new outdoor all-weather facilities for the first time to other local schools in a netball festival.

Over 20 under-9 primary teams took part in the High 5 netball festival on March 29 where many pupils tried their first taste of netball.

They were split into four divisions, giving them five matches each and a chance to improve their skills.

Becky Seward, head of girls' games at Crosfields, said: "As this was our first netball festival, we were thrilled with the response to the event from local schools. It proved a very enjoyable afternoon.

"I umpired some of the games and there was a noticeable difference between the first and last matches. The girls certainly improved as they learned how to play, which was pleasing to see."

A total of 24 schools took part, including All Saints in Wokingham, Churchend Academy in Tilehurst, Rivermead in Woodley, Whitegrove in Bracknell and many more.

Headmaster Craig Watson, who watched a number of games, added: "We hope that those who took part will have enjoyed themselves and this event lights their enthusiasm for such a great game. Perhaps we have seen some England stars of the future".

Keeping a keen eye on the action was Sarah Feast, the chair of Berkshire Netball and lead member of Performance Pathway that organises and oversees the delivery of the academy programme for talented players aged 11 to 15.

Mrs Feast and fellow coach Karen Bossom, from Woodley Netball Club kept a close eye on the games and invited a number of stand-out girls to go for trials and receive further coaching.

There were no outright winners of the festival, but each team was presented with a brand new netball.

Crosfields PE staff were assisted with the umpiring by senior pupils from Leighton Park.