Chesterfield have been boosted by the news that experienced central defender Ian Evatt has signed a one-year contract extension.

Evatt, who began his second spell with Chesterfield two years ago, is now tied to the club until the summer of 2017.

After penning his new deal, Evatt said: “I’m delighted to stay. There were a few rumours about clubs being interested in me, but I feel that I’m one of Chesterfield’s own. I love the area and I’m settled here so hopefully I can finish my career here. It’s a club that is very close to my heart and hopefully we can have some more success in the future.

“The manager is such an enthusiastic character and his enthusiasm rubs off on everyone else. We’re not a million miles away, as the gaffer knows, so that’s why I wanted to stay.”

Spireites manager Dean Saunders added: “It’s great news for everyone that Ian has agreed an extended deal. He’s an experienced player who has a key role to play for the club. I will use him to help bring the young players on because you learn from experienced pros.”

Saunders has revealed that he is also in negotiations with other players who are in the last year of their contract.

Around 1,000 children across Derbyshire, including a number from schools in Chesterfield are on their marks for the Derbyshire School Games Event – an exciting and fully-inclusive national competition designed to motivate and enthuse young people to take part in more competitive school sport.

The Derbyshire event, which takes place at Trent College, in Long Eaton will see London 2012 Olympic athlete Eilish McColgan in attendance to give inspiration to youngsters, who have qualified for this stage through excellent performances in District or School Sport Partnership Level Two competitions.

Her appearance has been made possible by Sporting Champions, a Sport England initiative that brings world-class athletes face-to-face with young people and young adults.

“I was lucky enough to represent Great Britain in my sport of athletics through lots of hard work and dedication,” said McColgan.

“At the Sainsbury’s Derbyshire School Games I will be hoping to see the Olympic and Paralympic stars of the future with so many talented youngsters in action, but, most importantly, it will be great to see young competitors having fun, making friends and giving their best.”

At a local level, the Sainsbury’s School Games are delivered by schools, School Games organisers, clubs, the ten School Sport Partnerships across Derbyshire, Derbyshire Sport and other local partners.

James Gregory, Director of Operations at hosts Trent College, said: “We have a proud history of sports participation at the school and are delighted to be able to welcome youngsters from across the county back to our facilities, after first hosting the event in 2013.

“Whatever their age or ability, it will be great to see young people getting enjoyment out of physical activity, which will hopefully become a positive habit in their lives as they grow into adulthood.”

The event will be compered by Jim Fearn from Derbyshire Dales District Council and you can Tweet your pictures and updates to #DSGE2015.

Schools in Chesterfield and North East Derbyshire which have qualified to date (some schools are still involved in qualifying competitions):

• Netherthorpe School (Staveley);
• Springwell Community College (Staveley);
• Old Hall Junior School (Chesterfield);
• Newbold CofE VA Primary School (Chesterfield);
• Mary Swanwick Community Primary School (Old Whittington);
• Newbold Community School (Chesterfield);
• Eckington School, Tupton Hall School, Deer Park Primary School (Wingerworth).