The build-up to the 74th English Schools' Athletics Association National Championships being held at Gateshead is gathering pace.

This weekend saw all Counties around England holding their own Championships to begin selection of their squads for the biggest schools athletics event in the world.

Durham held their championship at the Riverside Stadium, Chester-le-Street, where 14-year-old P Collins from Darlington staked his claim for glory by winning the high jump with a clearance of 1.86m. In beating his nearest rival by more than 25cm he surpassed the National qualifying standard by 14cm. An 8cm improvement in the National Championships will see him break the all time Championship record.

Northumberland held their Championships at Gateshead Stadium where records tumbled with four Championship best performances during the day. The meeting started for the third year running with an outstanding performance by Kieran Flannery (Newcastle) in the Senior Boys 400m Hurdles, where he set a Championship Best Performance/National Standard of 54.5secs. Three other CBPs were set by Kathryn Ellis (RGS Girl) SG Shot Putt, 10m34; S Cathcart JB 400m, 54.00secs; and L Dewdney JG 75m Hurdles, 11.7secs.

This Saturday sees Durham & Northumberland clash in the Inter-Counties match at the Clareville Stadium in Middlesbrough. Counties will finalise their teams for the National Championships after this competition.

Tickets for the ESAA National Championships at Gateshead on Friday, July 9 and July 10 are now on sale. Ticket hotline 0191 4785555.