A FLAG making company is celebrating 40 years in business by offering schools the chance to use inflatables to make their sports days go with a bang.

Harrison EDS, based in Darlington, has created inflatable start and finish lines, complete with flags and banners, that can be loaned for free to local schools under its Fit Kids initiative.

Schools can book the equipment which will then be delivered and assembled by the company.

The first school to make use of the equipment will Skerne Park Academy, which will host its annual sports day in July.

Teacher Paula Barion said: “Having the sports day inflatables and banners will help to create a great atmosphere and will add a touch of excitement to the whole event.

“The children are really looking forward to competing on the day surrounded by all of the paraphernalia of a big sporting event.”

Harrison EDS, based on Borough Road, has created the kit to help schools create a fun atmosphere on their sports days and to encourage more children to get involved in outdoor activities and sports.

Managing director Andrew Hobson said: “We have supplied a huge number of international sporting events with flags and banners, such as the London Olympics, Paralympic Games and Asian Games.

“It’s wonderful to be involved in those big occasions, but it’s just as great to get involved at a grassroots level, working with schools across the region.”

To hire out the sports day equipment for free, call 01325-355433 or go to flagpoles.co.uk/fit-kids