Future stars are setting the pace at Primary Schools Cross Country Championship

Team Kennet held its 25th anniversary edition of the annual West Berkshire and North Hampshire Primary Schools Cross Country Championship at Newbury Showground last week.

A record 1510 runners took part from 50 schools and all competitors received a certificate, whilst medallists were presented with trophies and a commemorative teddy bear and tee-shirt.

Commonwealth Games bronze medallist Ellie Gudgeon was on hand to start the races and present the awards.

Falkland’s Ella Larkin won the Year 3 and 4 girls race ahead of Chieveley’s Praiya Foreman and Falkland's Maisie McCurtin as Falkland scooped the team trophy.

Francis Baily’s Benji Shelton timed his run to perfection to win a thrilling Year 3 and 4 boys race, while Basildon’s Charlie Herald was second and Francis Baily clinched the team award.

Harriet Saunders of St Gabriel’s led from the front to win the Year 5 and 6 girls race from Fir Tree’s Quinn Joyce as St Andrew’s secured the team prize while John Rankin’s Rupert Knight won an enthralling tactical Year 5 and 6 boys race ahead of Falkland’s Oscar Larkin but there was a reverse in the team event as Falkland stole gold from runners-up John Rankin.

There were also memorable triumphs for St Andrew’s, The Winchcombe School, Streatley and Thorngrove while Falkland were crowned the overall winners, with newcomers St Andrew’s in second and Thorngrove in third.