Pupils take part in cross-country

MORE than 300 young runners took part in the Swale Primary Schools Cross Country Championships at Sittingbourne Community College on Wednesday.

Mayor of Swale, Councillor Steve Worrall and Mayoress Therese Davies watched races and handed out medals to the winners following a morning of hard-fought racing.

Swale Council’s recreation officer James Thatcher, who helped organise the runs, said: “It gives kids the opportunity to compete and competition is obviously important.”

Four races were contested overall, with Minterne dominating the Year 3 and 4 girls’ race, which was run over 1,000-metres.

The school took both first and third place in the team event, with 8-year-old Elena Jury the individual winner.

Mr Thatcher said: “To come away with eight runners near the top is fantastic.”

Minterne also won the boys’ Year 3 and 4 race with Minterne pupil James Witt finishing first.

Minterne’s domination continued in Year 5 and 6, winning the team event in the boys’ race.

Rory Blackman of Luddenham School, near Faversham won the individual prize for the Year 5 and 6 boys, while Lucy Kerr from St George’s School in Minster won the Year 5 and 6 girls’ race, with Luddenham claiming the team title.