PUPILS from across the region will be taking to the field for a major athletics championship tomorrow.

The Army's North of England annual Inter-Schools Cross Country Championship takes place at Beverley Racecourse, in Yorkshire.

It will see 450 children, including some from Darlington's Longfield School, compete in a 2,000-metre race

The annual competition began in 1999, but was cancelled last year because of the foot-and-mouth outbreak.

This year, it has attracted runners from County Durham, North Yorkshire, Teesside and Tyneside.

Major Richard Boddy, founder and organiser of the event, said: "The number of pupils taking part this year is really impressive. The day looks set to be a great success as well as a lot of fun for those taking part."