BURSTS of heavy rain failed to dampen the spirits of students competing in an athletics event attended by hundreds of pupils from across the Darlington borough yesterday.

The Darlington Secondary Schools Town Sports competition was held at the town's Eastbourne Sports Complex, with youngsters competing in track and field events.

A team from Carmel RC Technology College swept the board, winning the overall competition, as well as taking the girls' and boys' titles.

Longfield Comprehensive School came second in all three competitions, with Hummersknott School and Languages College taking all three third places.