A NEW style schools Athletics competition has been hailed as a huge success.

Quadkids, a concept intro-duced by England Athletics, was used for the first time at the Hyndburn and Ribble Valley Primary Schools Athletics Championship.

The format sees pupils take part in a 75m sprint, vortex javelin throw, standing long jump and a 600m run. Boys and girls compete against each other trying to get as many points for their team.

“We ran an outdoor athletics event last year, but I really like the new format and the schools were really happy that all pupils take part in every event,” said Hyndburn and Ribble competition manager Roger Haythornthwaite. “The idea that it’s a winning team and not individual winners really encourages teamwork from the all schools, cheering each on in all events.”

Each school entered teams of 12 pupils - six boys and six girls - in a competition which was held at Wilson’s Playing Fields.

The event was organised by the Hyndburn and Ribble Valley Schools Sports Partnership in conjunction with Hynd-burn Athletics Club.

And it was St Leonard’s who were crowned overall winners ahead of Peel Park and Benjamin Hargreaves in third place. Haythorn-thwaite added: “The whole day was really successful and 156 pupils taking part in school sport at a local fantastic club, is great to see. “Hyndburn Athletics Club were once again fantastic providing volunt-eers. They really are a massive help to me and the Partnership and look to be involved in all school competitions from cross country, indoor and outdoor athletics. “I really want to build on the success of this event and attract more schools to the event, this time next year”. Volunteers the Hyndburn AC were assisted by Year 10 volunteers from Norden High School and Sports College.