KEIGHLEY youngsters tried their hand at a range of new skills during a special sports week.

Pupils at Merlin Top Primary Academy were given the chance to sample everything from football to wheelchair basketball.

And they learned more about the importance of eating healthily.

"It was a fantastic week," said a spokesman for the school, in Braithwaite Avenue.

"The children showed real skill and determination but, most importantly, had good fun and enjoyed the week.

"It was great to see them experience unconventional sports, such as judo and wheelchair basketball, for the first time.

"They had the opportunity to train with many professionals from a variety of different sporting backgrounds."

Everton footballer Matty Foulds attended to launch the week with a question-and-answer session in assembly, followed by some coaching.

James Whitcombe, of the Leicester Tigers Academy, worked with pupils on rugby union skills while the Bradford Bulls focused on the league code.

Judo sessions were led by former Great Britain star Danny Harper.

Young footballers were put through their paces by Bradford City representatives and there was a hugely-successful penalty shoot-out, which raised funds for the school and the club's community foundation.

There was also an army-style boot camp run by fitness instructor Gareth Auty, which centred on improving respect and discipline.

Jamie's Ministry of Food outlined the importance of a balanced diet and spoke about the type of foods that should be included in packed lunches.

Plus, pupils in years four and five worked with restaurateur Nick Risidi, who showed the children how to cook a simple, healthy Italian meal.

He said: "It was a great day. I thoroughly enjoyed working with the children."