HUNDREDS of pupils from across Glasgow are taking part in one of the world's biggest Scottish country dance festivals.

More than 800 young people will attend the event to be held at the Kelvin Hall tomorrow.

The day-long festival is just one of the ways in which Glasgow pupils are being encouraged to get active and adopt a healthy lifestyle.

At rehearsals, which have proved hugely popular, youngsters have been taught a selection of popular Scottish country dances including the Dashing White Sergeant.

Gordon Matheson, city council executive member for education, said he was delighted so many children were taking part.

He added: "The council has worked very closely with the Royal Scottish Country Dance Society in the planning and organising of the festival and it will be wonderful to see all the children having fun. The dances are very popular in school and no matter what nationality, the pupils love giving the reels a go.

"It is a fantastic way for them to keep fit and have fun at the same time.

"Research has proven that active kids are more likely to do better at school and be healthier as well in the long term."

The children will be piped into the event by the Strathclyde Police pipe band and will dance to a live Scottish dance band.

Other projects set up to encourage youngsters to get active include the popular Glasgow Primary Schools Cross Country Championships.

Earlier this month almost 1000 schoolkids had a glorious time in the mud when they took on rivals from across the city on the mile-long course - one of the biggest school keep-fit events Glasgow has staged.

And about 100 pupils signed up for a handball event at the Kelvin Hall last month.

See Thursday's Evening Times for pictures of children at the Scottish country dance festival.