MAN proved to be faster than a 1913 tram yesterday in a running challenge round the site of an open-air museum.

Several club athletes successfully responded to the annual Beamish Tram Challenge on the 2.5km circuit of the County Durham heritage museum.

Competitors able to run a six-minute mile were capable of beating one of the museum's trams, running parallel to the track.

Hundreds of runners took part in the event, which featured two races, one for fun runners covering a lap of the 2.5km circuit, plus a longer 10km route for more serious athletes.

They lapped the tram track twice before following a route through woodland surrounding the museum site and ending in the grounds of nearby Beamish Hall Hotel.

The event is organised by the Beamish Development Trust to raise funds to enable disadvantaged children from across the North-East to visit and learn more about the region's heritage.

Chester-le-Street Running Club enjoyed a successful day, with members winning the men's and women's 10km races.

Stewart Bell won the men's event in 34 minutes and 28 seconds, nearly eight minutes ahead of Craig Horn and Gavin Jamison.

The women's race was won by Dawn Elliott, in 46 minutes and 25 seconds, 33 seconds ahead of Sharon Gayler, of New Marske Harriers, and nearly two minutes in front of Julie Cross, of Claremont Running Club.

Chris Telford won the fun run.