A GROUP of young runners have made their mark for the third time in a schools' cross- country competition.

52 pupils at Heighington Primary School, near Darlington, took part in the South Tyneside Cross Country Competition last weekend.

Schools from all over the region competed and, for the third consecutive year, the runners from Heighington School were awarded the Jimmy Headley Trophy for the best team from outside South Tyneside

More than 1,000 youngsters took part in the competition and eight pupils from Heighington came in the top ten of their age groups.

Year four pupils Emily Gatiss, Max Garner and Ross Lathan were successful, as were year five pupils Jessica Hutchinson, Mark and Nicholas Baldwin and Christopher Gaffrey.

Year six pupil Simon Hewitson also made the top ten in his age group.

PE co-ordinator for the school, John Coates, said: "Cross-country is something the children are very good at and really enjoy, and their parents are always keen to support it."

The school has also won the Wear Valley Cross Country Championships this year and the Darlington Schools Championships.