FIVE hundred pupils are set to battle it out for a place in a cross-country event.

Today, from 1.30pm to 3pm, in Stewart Park, Middlesbrough, pupils from secondary schools and colleges across the town will compete in six cross-country races as part of the Middlesbrough secondary schools' cross country championships.

The event has been organised by the Neighbourhood Renewal Fund and supported by Clairville Stadium activities development officer, Scott Hydon.

The races will act as a qualifying event for the Cleveland schools' cross country championships that will be staged in January, at Stewart Park, where runners will compete to represent Cleveland in the English schools' cross country championships in Leeds, on March 14.

For more information, ring Mr Hydon on 01642-246767.