THE future looks bright for the young runners at St Joseph's Primary School after scooping a team prize in the recent Darwen Schools Cross Country Championships.

For the formidable foursome took first place in the girls Year Three/Four race - with eight-year-old Megan Hester crowned overall winner.

Now acting headteacher, Mike Leighton is hoping for more success when the cross country championship continues in the New Year.

He said: "It was a great performance from the girls and when you consider Megan is only a Year Three pupil, then the future looks bright."

Megan led the team home in first place with Alisha Lingard hot on her heels in second spot.

Charlotte O'Neil (eighth) and Lauren Toole (12th) completed the winning team.

The two remaining rounds of the championships are scheduled to be held at Hoddlesden Millennium Green and St Peter's Primary School.