YOUNGSTERS from east Cleveland gathered at Bydales School, Marske, on Friday to learn that athletics could be fun for them.

The event was set up by New Marske Harriers Athletic Club, which has received £5,000 from the National Lottery to help buy equipment to support primary school youngsters in athletics.

More than 200 youngsters aged between nine and ten, from Errington School, St Bede's RC School, and Westgarth School, all in Marske, New Marske Primary School and St Alban's School, Redcar, took part.

Jim Conaghan, school liaison officer for the Harriers, said: "We have organised a series of events. The children are of all skills and abilities. The event was based on encouraging young people rather than looking for potential.

"We are trying to tell them that everyone can get something out of sport."