YOUNGSTERS at a Newton Abbot special school took part in its extra special sports day.

Children from Glendinning Academy’s Upper School had an ‘unforgettable’ day at the annual event, held at the Recreational Trust.

Students completed 10 events including favourites like the sack race, plank walk and space hopper race.

This year, two new ‘showstoppers’ were introduced: the Tyre Flip and the Javelin Throw.

A school spokesman said: ‘After a morning packed with laughter, challenges and pure fun, we enjoyed a well-earned picnic on the field.

‘Then came the fan favourites: the parent and staff race, bringing out the best, and most competitive, side of everyone, followed by the ultimate showdown – a tug of war between staff and parents, and then staff vs students with the staff victorious.

‘We couldn’t be more proud of our incredible students.

‘Their enthusiasm, sportsmanship, and team spirit made the day truly special.

‘A heartfelt thank you to everyone who helped bring their sports day to life – we’re already counting down to next year.’

To make the day extra special, academy staff wanted a selection of prizes to raffle off as an additional incentive to encourage participation from their students, so they asked Newton Abbot's Tesco Superstore if it could assist.

The store donated a bodyboard, puzzles and games as part of its ongoing community support initiative.

Simon Gibbs, vice principal at Glendinning Academy, said: ‘We’re really grateful to Tesco for the raffle donations.

‘It just added that important extra element to what was a fantastic day, and the raffle winners were thrilled by their prizes.

’It’s really important for us as a school and for the wider community to have an organisation that will contribute to make events that bit better.’

Glendinning Academy is a special school for children aged from seven to 16 years for pupils with a diagnosis of Autistic Spectrum condition, anxiety or Speech Language and Communication Needs.