THE WEATHER conditions were perfect for cross country on this hard going course and Tockington Manor’s Under-eleven boys' training paid off as they repeated their triumph of last year and retained the National Preparatory Small Schools’ Cross Country Championship trophy for 2017.

In the U-13 girls race Dalis Jones of Tockington Manor, added to her astounding collection of medals and cups for the 2016/17 season and won the Under 13 Girls’ race.

Head Master Mr Symonds said: “We have had an outstanding cross country season and our young athletes have continued to triumph.

"Many of these Cross Country events take place outside of term time and our dedicated sports teachers not only encourage each child to follow our school philosophy and achieve their ‘personal best’, but also to come together as a team and support one another."

"The Tockington children’s determination to push themselves and win against what are often much larger schools helps to build their confidence. However, this level of enthusiasm and endurance is not only reflected in the children’s sports results.

"The skills which they have built upon in Cross Country are transferrable to their academic subjects and we have seen excellent achievements with academic, sports and D&T scholarships being secured by our Y8 students to their chosen senior schools.”

Head of Sports for the school, Mr Jones, said: “These results are a great reward for all our hardworking and determined athletes. These courses have been gruelling and their commitment to training has been so impressive, we regularly get over 50 per cent of our upper school pupils attending our Monday evening running club which takes place whatever the weather, and often in the dark with head torches.”

Tockington Manor School pride themselves on being a fit and healthy school. All children take part in sport every day and are encouraged to achieve their personal bests.