THE start of the Wotton and district Primary School Cross Country series was again held at Katharine Lady Berkeley's School.

Twenty-four schools from the surrounding area attended with 360 children entering the four races.

weather conditions were excellent for a new race course to be negotiated by the children.

The first race off was the junior girls.

Blue Coat pupil Lena Brewer took an early lead and was able to hold on until the finish, securing first place.

Second in was Wycliffe's Uma Berri and third went to Emma Philpott of Slimbridge.

The second race off was the junior boys.

This race was very fast with Sam Bryson of Blue Coat, William Fairall of Slimbridge and Uley's Charlie Worsold all fighting for the win.

With 200 metres to go Worsold pulled away, only just making it to the finish line to win before collapsing from exhaustion from his efforts.

Second went to Fairall and third to Bryson.

In the senior girls' section, Martha Heaps of North Road School in Yate ran a very intelligent race to win from the two runners from Blue Coat, who were closing the gap.

Zoe Boyd took second and third went to Connie Watt.

The last race off was the senior boys.

St Joseph's School have two runners, who happen to be twin brothers, and the question was which one would be the fastest on the day.

Daniel Beeston only just beat his brother Oliver but this was for first and second place.

Third place went to William Forsyth of Silverhill.

The next event will be on Saturday, November 15.