A DIFFERENT course to usual was ran at a college last week.

Hundreds of children descended on Bishop Auckland College for a cross country event held in its grounds.

Around 600 seven to 11-year-olds from 30 primary schools across the Wear Valley and Teesdale areas took part in 800m and 1,000m races. The two winning teams and top three individuals from each race qualified for the county cross country championships.

The event was organised by James Oldfield, School Games organiser for Wear Valley and Teesdale, assisted by Bishop Auckland College’s sport development officer Ben Trotter. Volunteer students from Bishop Barrington School and the college’s sport students helped as safety marshals.

Mr Trotter said: “The cross country qualifier went very well, we had great feedback from both parents and staff from the schools and the children clearly enjoyed themselves. We look forward to hosting next year’s event.”