YOUNG athletes took part in a gruelling mini triathlon in a junior superstar competition.

Twenty-three teenage members of Thirsk's Zest Health and Fitness gym, at the town's swimming pool, completed the challenge to row 3km, run 2km and cycle 5km in the least time.

They had a month to better their times before submitting them as their final entries.

The top places went to Steven Coupland, 12, and Joe Barwick, 13.

Steven, from Sowerby, took the prize for the under-13s with a combined time of 39min 19s. Joe, also from Sowerby, took the under-16s prize with a time of 30min 32s.

Both received vouchers for one of Hambleton District Council's leisure centres.

The competition was open to all members of the Thirsk fitness centre's Max exercise sessions for 11 to 16-year-olds.

Thirsk Swimming Pool duty officer, Nicola Stockdale, said: "This competition allowed all the teenagers taking part in the Max sessions to have a go at a competition without feeling the pressure of competing directly against others.

"They all seemed to enjoy it - it gave them something to aim for, so we are hoping to make this a regular competition."

Max sessions take place every Saturday from 1pm to 3pm, and every Wednesday at the same time during the holidays.

To join Thirsk Zest Health and Fitness, or for more information, call (01845) 522447.