One of the region's top young runners has pulled off a remarkable victory by winning a key race despite being mistakenly sent off on a 400 metre detour.

Fifteen-year-old Simon Watson, was well ahead in the County Durham Schools 5km race when disaster struck.

With a 100 metre clear lead Simon, who is head boy at Shotton Hall School in Peterlee, was misdirected by one of the race stewards.

But his massive detour did nothing but kindle his resolve to not only keep going but to eventually win the race.

The promising young athlete yesterday relived the moment it became clear he had been headed off in the wrong direction during the race being staged at Bishop Auckland.

"I quickly realised I had been mistakenly sent the wrong way and had to make up all the lost ground before catching up with the leading pack.'' With three competitors now ahead of him Simon dug in deep, sprinted past the leaders and went on to clinch the race by an amazing 30 metres.

His success against all the odds means that Simon, whose ambition is to become a professional runner, will now represent the County in the English School Championships in Maidstone in Kent on March 21.

Delighted at his stunning victory, Simon's headmaster Ian Mowbray said: Simon is a lovely young man who is determined to succeed. He trains very hard and his success is down to his steely determination and his commitment to simply being the best.''

And surprisingly the fleet of foot youngster holds no grudge towards the red faced steward.

"He apologised after the race, but if anything his mistake made me even more determined to win,'' said Simon who is hoping, however, he will be kept on the right track at the English Championships.

Full story in The Northern Echo tomorrow.