NO FEWER than 17 school sports records were smashed by pupils at one of County Durham's best known schools sports day.

The current crop of sporting youngsters at Tanfield Secondary School, near Stanley, a school which produced football star Barry Venison and long distance runner John Caine, managed their record-breaking feat even though half the day was rained off.

Fourth year pupil Richard Smart received the school's Harry Carr Award for his sporting excellence throughout the year.

The Harry Carr trophy was given to the school by the sister of Harry Carr, who was a sporting hero at the school before he joined the Navy in the Second World War. Mr Carr was killed, aged 19, in the war.

First year pupils who broke records were (pictured) John Liddle, Martin Gladdon, Andrew Rafferty, Gemma Barker, Jenna Carlyon and Terri Gibson.

Headteacher Alan Johnstone said only field events could go ahead on Tuesday because of the poor weather. He said: "All the events which did go ahead were performed in the correct spirit by our students.

"Richard received his award for being an outstanding athlete.

"He has represented the school and Derwentside in football and cricket this year. He is also a very good GCSE student."