A CHARITY triathlon that was put at risk after part of the route was lost due to a landslip has been rescued after a school offered its facilities for competitors.

The annual Darlington Rotary Triathlon was due to take a route around the town but faced cancellation after a landslip on the A67 at Carlbury meant the planned route for the triathlon has now become a diversion for traffic.

To save the event, Calvin Kipling, headteacher of Darlington School of Mathematics and Science, which previously hosted the competition, offered organisers the chance to use school facilities for each of the three elements of the race.

The triathlon, held to raise funds for Rotary Club charities, features athletes from across the North East and will take place on May 5.

The event includes a 400m swim in the pool, before a 21km cycle and a 5km run.

Rotary Club member and event organiser Jane Bradshaw said: “The Rotary Triathlon is a great Darlington event, which raises vital funds for a great many charities supported by Darlington Rotary Club.

“We’re delighted that Darlington School of Mathematics and Science have been able to host the Triathlon again at such short notice, and we’d like to thank Calvin and his staff, and caretaker Julie Parks in particular, for their wonderful support.”

Registration is still open for the event at entrylive.com The organisers are looking to volunteers to assist with marshalling duties at the event. To take part, call supporter services at St Teresa’s Hospice on 01325-254321.