IT was a triple celebration for Team Hyndburn at the Lancashire Youth Games as they returned home with three gold medals from Lancaster on Saturday.

The 100-strong team were competing in sweltering conditions and were up against 13 other boroughs - 1,800 other children - at the largest multi-sports event in the county.

There was a record 15 sports on offer with Hyndburn's golds coming in rugby league, basketball and girls football. Team Hyndburn were second in the gold medal table behind hosts Lancaster.

Mount Carmel's girls basketball side were the borough's first golden girls as they won Hyndburn's first gold medal after dominating the event, keeping Preston and Blackpool at bay.

Hollins Technology College Rugby League Year Eight side then came up with the goods and they couldn't hide their delight after they overcame Lancaster in the final to be gold medal winners.

They have been trained under the watchful eye of Accrington RL coach Anthony Foley and he was impressed with their show.

And scoring spectacular goals was the name of the game for Mount Pleasant Primary School who were top of the pile in the football.

They scored two goals from the half-way line - one in the semi-final and one in the final - to edge the competition 1-0 and see off West Lancashire.

The girls from Mount Carmel came agonisingly close to matching their male counterparts and picking up gold in rugby league - but they had to settle for silver behind Chorley, still a great achievement.

Baxenden Primary School also took part in the girls football and came close to progressing to the latter stages but just missed out. And Woodnook Primary School were desperately unlucky to not come away with a medal in the gymnastics after an impressive show.

St Peters and St Pauls just missed out on progressing past the group stages in the girls cricket while Baxenden played a good part in the athletics.

Assistant Sports Development Officer for Hyndburn George Cull said: "The Youth Games is a fantastic event for participants and spectators alike.

"The aim of the Games is to increase participation in sport, but it is always a bonus for our teams to win medals andthis day will have been something the youngsters won't forget.

"The Games would not have been a success without the dedication of the teachers and coaches who attended with the teams on the day and also the volunteers who assisted with the running of the event."

The Games were sponsored by family bakers, Warburtons for the third year running.

All of the participants have been invited to receive recognition for their achievements at the Hyndburn Sports Awards Evening on Friday 8 July at Accrington Town Hall.

To find out more details contact 01254 380288.

Plus any Year Seven and Eight boys and girls who wants to join a winning rugby league team, can train with Accrington RL on Wednesday between 6-7pm at Highams or contact Axel on 07817 577090.