MORE than 6,000 young runners took to the streets today for the Junior and Mini Great North Runs.

The events, on the Newcastle and Gateshead quayside, are the UK's most popular junior running events.

The Northern Echo:

A junior runner enjoys the event Picture: North News

The Junior run for ages nine-16 follows at 4k course, while the Mini race is for ages three to eight and covers 1.5k.

The Great North 5k took place beforehand.

The Northern Echo:

The run in full swing Picture: North News