AROUND 900 youngsters from all over Hampshire descended on the Southampton Sports Centre on Saturday to take part in the annual Mini-Youth games.

The games act as an avenue for giving schoolchildren the chance to experience some sport for the first time.

Despite the weather, all the competitors had a great time - and Echo photographer Jo Mann was on hand to capture the spirit of the games.

The Hampshire Youth Games, another event run by the Hampshire & Isle of Wight sports partnership in association with local councils throughout the county, take place at Aldershot next month.

SEE TODAY'S DAILY ECHO FOR A TWO-PAGE REPORT FROM THE MINI-YOUTH GAMES PACKED WITH PICTURES.