LEWIS Moses, a rising young star of local athletics, has realised one of his dreams by becoming the intermediate boys Durham county cross-country champion.

The Longfield School, Darlington pupil was always among the leaders in the day's most competitive race before leaving his rivals floundering with a blistering sprint finish.

His margin of victory on a demanding course at Bishop Auckland was only about 30 metres, but the manner of his win showed immense promise for the future.

The youngster has worked very hard in training and is beginning to realise the potential he has shown in previous years.

He is Longfield's first ever cross-country county champion and will now lead a strong Durham team in the national schools championships at Brighton on Saturday, March 8.

A number of students from Darlington's Queen Elizabeth sixth form college also represented the town at the county championships. All performed very well, with the six members of the senior boys team all finishing in the top 24.

Michael Harcourt finished ninth, Mark Richardson 11th, Ryan Pritchard 19th, Adam Moses 20th, Darren Flatman 22nd and Chris Dargue 24th.

Queen Elizabeth student Natalie Owens also ran an excellent race for Darlington senior girls and came in fifth.

John Beilby, head of sport at the college, said: "Conditions at the county cross-country championships were heavy and provided a very stiff challenge, particularly on the steeper sections.

"I am delighted that so many of our college students were chosen to represent Darlington and that three of them - Michael Harcourt, Mark Richardson and Natalie Owens - have been selected to represent Durham in the coming Northern region competition.