Darlington Harriers will be well represented at this year's English School Track and Field championships following some outstanding performances at county level last weekend.

Faye Bowles, Lorna Goldsmith, Josh Phillips, Kate Blaylock and Joe Kiribige go through to the prestigious event in Birmingham on July 13-14 after achieving qualifying times in the County Durham championships at Jarrow. Faye and Lorna recorded times of 12.5 secs in the intermediate girls' 100m. Josh clocked an impressive 2 mins 5.7 secs in the junior boys' 800m and Kate ran 46.5 secs in the intermediate girls' 300m hurdles.

Meanwhile, in the Cleveland schools' event, talented sprinter Joe Kiribige booked his place for Birmingham by running 11.05 secs in the 100m. Unlucky to miss out at Jarrow were Paul Jefferson, who ran 11.4 secs in the 100m, and Matthew Smith, who ran 22.7 secs in the senior boys' 200m.

Harriers' juniors continue to go from strength to strength in the National Young Athletes League following the third round with Scarborough, Harrogate and Jarrow, who hosted the event. The female track athlete of the match was Faye Bowles for her victory in the U-17 women's 100m in 12.4 secs. Faye also won the 200m and shot.

Kaye Blaylock was also an U-17 treble winner, claiming victories in the 300m, 300m hurdles and triple jump. Charlotte McGarry was a double winner in the 1500m and discus.

At U-15 level, Lorna Goldsmith won the 100m and was second in the 200m and long jump. Leah Kennedy won the javelin and was second in the shot. Beth Ward was second in the 1500m and Rosie Clark was third in the discus.

At U-13 level, Bethan Bowles won the shot. Sophie Hird was second in the 75m and third in the 70m hurdles. Becky Ward was second in the 150m and third in the high jump. Amy Shakeshaft was fourth in the long jump.

For the U-17 men, Andrew Jordan was a double winner in the 100m hurdles and discus. Felix Pearson won the high jump and was third in the 400m. Paul Jefferson won the 100m and was second in the 200m and shot. Andrew Clifford was second in the 400m hurdles and Robert Fox was second in the long jump and triple jump.

At U-15 level, Paul Clifford won the 400m and discus and was second in the 200m. Jamie Pottage was second in the 100m and long jump and fourth in the high jump. For the U-13 boys, Zak Kiribige won the 100m and 200m. Jo Anthony won the shot and Niall Kennedy was fourth in the long jump. Jonny Dugan was second in the high jump.

The senior athletes have also been flying the flag in one of the North-East's premier events. Almost 4,000 athletes toed the line in the 27th Nike Blaydon Race from Newcastle city-centre on Saturday. Conditions were warm and humid and, with little shelter on the 5.7-mile course, many in the field found it hard going.

It was business as usual for Martin Grainger after a short break from racing. Marty finished a terrific 19th in a field packed with not only the North-East's finest road runners but also an elite group of invited athletes from far and wide.

Marty's performance of 30 mins 31 secs earned him the M45 veterans' first prize and some pocket money for his efforts. Sisters Georgina and Susie Rutherford also enjoyed a good evening on the Tyneside course, which is flat and largely straight for the achievement of good times. Georgina was 11th lady in 92nd position, recording 34 mins 31 secs, and Susie finished 18th lady in 128st place with 35:43.

Next over the line for Harriers was Graham Bell in 177th place in a time of 36:46. Then came the irrepressible Ian Barnes, winner of the M70 veterans' title in 504th place with 41:17. Emma Morley came home in 754th place with 43:45 and Lindsay Ogle was 979th in 45:31.

Also back in action following a short racing break was Shirley Gibson, who was delighted to win the F60 veterans' title. Shirley, who suffered in the heat during the recent Flora London Marathon, was 1,004th in 45:43. Marion Bynoe was 1,065th in 46:07 and Jackie Nicholls 1,097th in 46:26. Joanne Tonkin was 1,474th in 49:18. Men's winner was Birchfield Harriers' Tewodros Shiferaw in a time of 26:28, which was narrowly outside the course record.