LUCTON School saw a record number of people compete in this year's Inter-School Cross Country competition.

More than 600 children from across 27 schools in Herefordshire, Shropshire and Worcestershire converged at the school near Leominster for the race that boasted a new 1.2km or 2m course.

Youngsters aged between 7 and 11 were split into four age categories, with George Jones winning the Year Three boy's race.

Freddie Ammonds was second, with Jack Sneyd claiming a bronze medal.

Teacher Mark Warren, who organised the race, said he was delighted with the turnout.

"It's amazing to see how it's developed," he said.

"Our numbers have increased by almost 200 children since last year.

"It just thrills me to so many children out running and enjoying themselves."

This was the seventh year that the race has been held.

Warren said the new course could help the event grow further.

"The new course offers a better, mixed terrain, starting in open ground, moving into a variation of short to medium up and down hills and finishing with a wooded land section," he said.

"The race is currently a half-day event for years three to six, but the new course, with the possible addition of a stream crossing, would make an ideal challenge to older year groups as well."

With the first four runners in each race contributed to the overall sore for each school, hosts Lucton finished third overall, narrowly missing out to winners St Lawrence Primary in Church Stretton and Moor Park.

Lucton headmistress Gill Thorne said: "It was a simply brilliant cross country run.

"Well done to the runners and to all involved in making the race such a success, especially our senior students and cadets who assisted with organisation and first aid."

Lucton will also host the Inter-School Aquathon, a combined swimming and running race for children in years three to six, on Monday, June 29.

For more information, call 01568 782000 or email enquiries@luctonschool.org