A SCHOOLBOY who underwent a lifesaving operation nine years ago beat off competition from more than 60 runners to win a charity race.

Joel Atkin was born with a hole in his heart and had to undergo surgery at the Freeman Hospital, in Newcastle, on his second birthday.

Now 11, Joel is a member of Derwentside Athletics Club and won the Sport Relief Mile, at the Peases West Leisure Centre, in Crook.

"When the race started, I just decided to go as fast as I could, and somehow, when I got to the end of the race, I looked round and everyone was miles behind me," said Joel, from Durham City.

The Crook mile was sponsored by the Prince Bishops shopping centre.

Centre manager Richard Toynbee said: "Joel is a terrific example to youngsters everywhere and we're tremendously proud of all that he is achieving."

The race was held on March 15.