MORE than 200 children took part in the Darlington Junior Schools Cross-Country competition at the weekend.

The event, organised by the Quakers Running Club and supported by Darlington Bondgate Round Table, was first run last year, when 11 schools took part.

This year, it attracted children from 15 junior schools in the borough.

Paul Robinson, a past chairman of Bondgate Round Table, said: "It is good to see so many children taking part in this type of event. While there are races held locally for older children, there is nothing to cater for this age group.

"Quakers have provided an opportunity for these children to start a sport that they can continue for as long as they wish."

Wayne Bromley, coach with the Quakers club, said: "When we started this even we didn't know whether it would be successful.To have gone from 11 schools taking part to having 15 shows that both the children and the schools have supported us. It makes all the organisation worthwhile."

Results: Lower Junior Girls: 1, Charlotte Hindmoor, Polam Hall; 2, Becky Kay, Heighington; 3, Katherine Binks, Mowden; team prize, Polam Hall.

Lower Junior Boys: 1, William Iles, Abbey; 2, Nathaniel Poole, Abbey; 3, Ross Latham, Heighington; team prize, Abbey.

Upper Junior Girls: 1, Nicole Marsh, Whinfield; 2, Chelsea Oxby, Abbey; 3, Rebecca Noble, Holy Family; team prize, Whinfield.

Upper Junior Boys: 1, Ben Turnbull, Mowden; 2, Matthew Maddison, Heighington; 3, Mark Baldwin, Heighington; team prize, Heighington.