THREE pupils from Thirsk School have gained places in the English Schools Athletics Championships being held at Don Valley Stadium in Sheffield, writes Alison Lewis.

Holly Newsom, aged 15, will represent Thirsk in the girls triple jump, while 14-year-old Johnny Winspeare takes part in the boys javelin competition and Matthew Harman, 16, competes in the boys 400m.

The three won their events at the North Yorkshire County Championships to gain a place in the competition at Sheffield, which takes place today and tomorrow.

It is the first time Holly and Johnny have got through to the championships, but Matthew gained a place in the competition two years ago in the 200m event.

He said: "This competition is the best you can get at our age. The nerves made me run faster last time and the atmosphere is really good with a big crowd. I hope to get to the semi-finals."

Head of PE at Thirsk School, Matt Messias, said: "I'm delighted with the progress made by these athletes. The triple jump is a new event for girls and Holly's been working hard in training."

The school had more success at the Hambleton and Richmondshire Area Athletics Championships when the Year 10 boys and girls teams were crowned area champions.

In the boys team, David Young won the 80m hurdles, Phil Livingston took the javelin and Andy Fawcett won the shot putt.

The girls team had success in the hurdles and triple jump with Holly Newsom, Clare Duck won the 1500m, the shot putt was won by Michelle Harker, Sarah Gyte was first in the discus and the javelin winner was Sharon Harker.

In the relay competition, the boys team won comfortably while the girls came second to Stokesley in their race, but still won the overall competition on points.