HUNDREDS of children wore smiles on their faces as they took part in a major running event with the support of a gold-medal winning athlete.

Oakleaf Sports Complex, in Newton Aycliffe, played host to the GO Run For Fun event yesterday which saw more than 700 primary school children complete a 2km route.

Organised by the Great Run Company, and supported by chemicals firm INEOS, the event welcomed Team GB athlete Cameron Boyek who provided encouragement and support to participants.

Kate Atkinson, youth event and education executive at GO Run For Fun, said: “Obesity is in the news all the time so it’s nice to see 700 kids running and smiling.

“The kids were one of the loudest groups we’ve had.”

Youngsters from twelve primary schools in and around Newton Aycliffe took part in the event, aimed at encouraging a healthy lifestyle.

The event was supported by 25 volunteers from the town’s INEOS site plus 15 pupils from Woodham Academy who marshalled.