HUNDREDS of children took part in the Swindon Primary Schools Cross Country event at Lydiard Park Academy recently.

Schools from Tregoze, Westlea, Robert Le Kyng, Colebrook Junior, Orchid Vale, South Marston, Oakhurst, St Marys, St Catherines, Even Swindon and Gorse Hill took part.

Competition was stiff and the pace of the races quicker than expected.

Winning the year three and four race was Orchid Vale Primary School while Robert Le Kyng Primary School won the year five and six event.

Individually, Dan Gallagher from Colebrook Junior won the year three and four race while George Craig from Robert Le Kyng won the year five and six title.

Andy Steckbeck, sports co-ordinator at Lydiard Park Academy said: “The cross country is the first event in a busy competition calendar for swindon schools.

“It was great to see so many children enjoying healthy competition - over double that entered last year.

“The standard was incredibly high - the times were much faster than last year. We were amazed how quickly many of the competitors finished the course.

“It is very important that schools provide their pupils these opportunities to compete.

“Not only is it a great opportunity to test themselves and enjoy the pride of representing their school - it is also great for self confidence, social skills and learning about winning and losing.”