REPORTS that archery in schools is on the decline were rubbished as more than 150 youngsters turned out for the Essex Archery Youth Games.

Amid the buzz of excitement, John Willson - joint organiser with Sandra Neil - said on the school archery decline reports: "Most definitely not - and today's turnout is the proof."

Wilson is also National Schools Development Officer for the sport's governing body GNAS.

Pupils from 16 schools in Castle Point, Rochford and Southend battled it out for best boy, best girl, experienced club archer and team prizes in three categories - Castle Point and Rochford Junior Partnership, Southend Junior Partnership and Castle Point and Rochford Senior Partnership.

The morning's activities were dedicated to the Castle Point and Rochford juniors.

Highest score went to 11 year-old Kaying Tam from St. Joseph's, who scored 135 and has only been shooting for about nine months.

She helped Saints receive the best school trophy.

She said: It's really great to have these medals.

"I don't know yet whether I'll be doing archery when I grow up."

Marcus Juniper, also 11, is on the development path for the sport and won the experienced club archer's first prize with a score of 112.

His schoolmates from South Benfleet Junior School cheered as he collected his medal.

"I feel really great about this", he said.

"I've only been shooting for about 20 months, but it would be good if I could get into the Olympic team in 2012."

The senior experienced club archer's prize went to Tyler Powell, of Cornelius Vermuyden School, who drew on 234 points, but won the prize on scoring more golds.

Those attending in the afternoon were given a boost with the visit of Team England member Matt Webb, who showed off the silver medal he won at the Commonwealth Games in India last year.

The tournament's judge, Graham Sibley said the sport taught children "discipline", as well as a range of other skills.

The experience was new for Chalkwell Hall Junior School, whose pupils took up archery last month.

Teacher Richard Maskell said: "Archery is fantastic.

"It's bringing sport within reach of children who would not take part in more traditional sports like football or rugby.