HUNDREDS of schoolchildren have competed in the finals of an athletics contest aimed at encouraging youngsters to take up sport.

The Sedgefield finals of the Warrens Dash! saw children aged seven to 11 compete in a race at Hardwick Park on Tuesday night.

The Durham finals will take place in Palace Green this evening.

A record-breaking 4,000 children have participated in Dash! events this year, with 1,240 from 60 schools qualifying for the finals this week.

Organised by Durham and Chester-le-Street School Sport Partnership and Sedgefield School Sports Partnership, the initiate aims to encourage young people in County Durham to enjoy active lifestyles.