WILSON’S Playing Fields was the setting for the annual Hyndburn and Ribble Valley Primary Schools Cross Country Championships – and for once conditions were fine.

A total of 35 schools from across the two boroughs took part in the competition where they only hazard was the bright sunshine and a warm afternoon.

Youngsters competed in boys and girls races at the Clayton-le-Moors course with the girls race up first.

Led out by a lead runner from Hyndburn Athletics Club. Grace Kelly of St Josephs Hurst Green took first place followed by Alisha Charnley of St Leonards Langho with Sophie Linford of Edisford in third place.

Then it was the boys race again lead by a runner from Hyndburn Athletics club.

And St Josephs Hurst Green completed a winning double as Paul O’Connor was first home, with Barrow Primary School taking the second and third places through McKenzie Strong and Patrick Cavanagh finishing respectively.

With the individual winners already worked out it was onto the team results and thanks to Grace Kelly’s efforts, St Josephs Hurst Green were crowned top girls team with St Marys Oswaldtwistle second and St Leonards Langho.

However, it was a different story in the boys event with St Josephs Hurst Green not even finishing in the top three despite Paul O’Connor’s winning performance.

Peel Park were the winners with Barrow second and St Charles in third place.

And once all the individual scores had been added up it was St Leonard’s, Langho were were crowned overall champions to take the gold medals with St Josephs Hurst Green – with their two individual winners – winning the silver medal.

Edisford finished 3rd taking away the bronze medal.

Gareth Martindale, Assistant School Games Organiser, Hyndburn & Ribble Valley School Sport Partnership, said was delighted with the way the event went.

He saidL “I would like to say a big thank you goes to Hyndburn Athletics club and their volunteers who set up the course and also ran a refreshment stall on the day.

“And also a thank you to the leaders from Accrington Academy who acted as marshals on the event.”