SPORT is an integral part of our everyday lives, whether we take part or we know someone who does.

Children are encouraged to take part in a variety of sports at school and many adults carry on with these for pleasure and sometimes as a job.

Just how many different sports we can take part in are spelled out in our latest Disney The Wonderful World of Knowledge book.

The book is called Sport and looks at dozens of different activities that we either take part in or can easily watch on television.

Less active pastimes such as snooker, angling and darts are also classed as sports.

The book is the 13th in a series of 24 volumes which build into a feast of factual knowledge and interest.

It is aimed at primary-age children and is available from today priced £2.99 from local newsagents when accompanied by this coupon.

It carefully explains the rules and terminology of sports such as football, rugby, ice hockey and swimming. Winter sports, the summer and winter Olympic Games and the World Cup are included.

Horse racing, polo, skateboarding, off-road biking and archery also get a look-in.

Simon Emsley, head teacher at Lakeside Community Primary School, said sport and exercise were important parts of the curriculum at his school.

He said: "Everyone is encouraged to do something active. So every day at about 2.15pm we go outside as a whole school and exercise for about 10 minutes.

"As well as that we have mixed football teams and our pupils play netball. I think sports of all kinds are enjoyed by our pupils."

Nine-year-old Luke Davies, of Baker Street, Alvaston, enjoys playing pool and football.

He said: "I play pool against my dad at home on a little table in the garage. But I play football whenever I can with my friends at school and in the park."

Rosie Evans, also nine, of Merchant Avenue, Spondon, likes to watch sport on television.

She said: "I quite like doing gym and playing netball but I really like watching things such as the Olympic Games on television. Last year, it was really cool to watch all the medals Britain won in Beijing."

The full colour book includes sections on martial arts and combat sports.

Every page contains information, diagrams, pictures and fact panels.

For example, did you know that before a fight, sumo wrestlers clap their hands to wake up the gods and throw salt in the ring to purify it? Or that, in 1976, an American tenpin bowler achieved a world record of 33 strikes in a row.

Previous books in the series have included information on dinosaurs, the human body, insects and spiders and amphibians and you can find out more about getting back copies by calling Derby 291111 ext 7200.