STUDENTS from schools across Manchester gathered last week for a major sports day - and Altrincham Grammar School for Girls took first place.

Hosted by the Diane Modahl Sports Foundation (DMSF), Manchester Giants and the Bright Futures Educational Trust (BFET) – a partnership of schools based in the North West – the day comprised of a mini-Olympics events, with a plethora of track and field events.

Victory on the day went to Altrincham Girls who came first overall.

Altrincham’s principal, Stephanie Gill, said after the event on June 22: “I’m delighted not only that we took first place but that we were able to take part in such a wonderful event.”

Held at Manchester’s Regional Indoor Athletics Arena, more than 150 local students from schools Altrincham Grammar School for Girls and eight other Greater Manchester schools – each of which is a member of the Youth Sport Trust – took part in sprint, javelin, vertical and standing jump, shot and relay events throughout the day.

Former international athlete Diane Modahl, who founded DMSF, added: “Our charity is focused on motivating young people in Manchester through sport. This not only helped us promote that agenda, particularly in National Sports Week, but also opened up new activities to people who may otherwise not get to try them.

“It was especially pertinent being able to do this event just weeks away from the Olympics and I hope it has inspired budding sporting stars of the future to reach for their own dreams.

“Above all it was great fun and I must say a huge thank you to our partners BFET, Alliance for Learning and Manchester Giants for their enthusiasm and involvement.”

The event was opened by Phil Mellen, executive principal at BFET and Lisa Fathers, BFET co-principal – who said: “This has been an amazing day, we are passionate about the role physical activity can play in changing lives and I am delighted we have hosted our own Trust Sports Day to further promote this. I really hope it can become an annual focus for us.”

DMSF was established by Diane Modahl in 2010 to empower and motivate young people.