THE first Quaker Triathlon has been hailed a success after more than 120 competitors, some from as far away as Bath and Liverpool, took part.

Hosted by Darlington Rotary Club, the event raised funds for a Scope guide used to detect bowel cancer and related diseases, for Darlington Memorial Hospital, as well as other local good causes.

Competitors were aged between 20 and 65 and the event was won by Rob West, of Rowlands Gill, near Gateshead, after completing a 400m swim, a 16.1m cycle ride and 3.6m run, in 1hr 12min 20sec.

The women's trophy went to Jen Milsom, of Seamer, North Yorkshire, who completed the course in 1hr 24min 48sec.

The team prize went to Three Amigos, of Barnard Castle, County Durham, with a combined time of 1hr 18min 47sec.

The veteran winner was Adrian Sowerby, of Carlisle, who finished second overall in a time of 1hr 14mins 1sec. Veteran woman was Angela Wylie, of Hexham, in 1hr 32min 19sec.

The main sponsor was Sherwoods, Darlington. Other prizes were donated by Up and Running, in Darlington.

Tony Marshall, of Darlington Rotary Club, said: "Everything went very smoothly. The first competitors took to the pool at Hummersknott School and Language College at 8.30am and the whole field was around the course by 1pm. The weather held out until then.

"We had lots of positive comments from the competitors and there was a marvellous atmosphere."