THERE was a double success story for Farndon Primary School on Saturday.

Two of their pupils, Jessica Thomas and Louis Realff, starred in the opening round of the West Cheshire AC schools cross country series.

The annual series, held at West Cheshire AC’s Stanney base in Ellesmere Port, runs through the winter and attracts youngsters from Chester, Ellesmere Port, Neston and Helsby.

Jessica and Louis were winners at Saturday’s curtain-raiser, which featured 178 pupils representing 25 primary and high schools.

Jessica claimed a 24-second victory in the Year 6 girls race ahead of Tarporley duo Sophie Hemingbrough and Abbie Williams, who finished second and third respectively.

Louis secured a victory in the Y5 boys event, just six seconds in front of second-placed Jac Goodall (Mickle Trafford) and Farndon’s Jack Wright in third.

Christleton’s Tamsin O’Keefe and Tess Bowman celebrated victories in the Y3 and Y5 girls races respectively.

Tamsin finished ahead of runner-up Iris Threlfall (Eaton) and Tarporley’s Anna Crayston.

Tess beat off a challenge from runner-up Phoebe Ashworth (Woodlands Primary, Ellesmere Port) and Heather Mylchreest (Acresfield Primary, Upton) in third spot.

Helsby Hillside took a one- two finish in the Y3 boys race.

Charlie Potts claimed first position, just three seconds ahead of Ethan Olubodin, while Eaton’s Graham Wilburn was third.

Sonny Dean, from Helsby Hillside, won the Y4 boys race, just four seconds ahead of runner-up Paul Morrison (Our Lady’s, Ellesmere Port), while Eaton’s Ben Young finished third.

Joseph Morrison (Our Lady’s) claimed top spot in the Y6 boys event, just one second clear of runner-up Chris Larkin (St Luke’s, Frodsham), with Josh Hinchly (Tarvin) in third place.

Rhona Cook, of Upton Heath, celebrated success in the Y4 girls race, ahead of runner-up Kate Kenworthy (Tarporley) and Lillie Fisher (Huntington).

Amy Hinchley (Tarporley) won the Y8 girls race, beating runner-up Megan McEveley (Helsby).

Catherine Gray (The Grange) won the Y7 girls event, leaving Sophie Carter (Upton) second and Laura Smith (Whitby High, Ellesmere Port) third.

Zac Holland, of Bishops’ High, won the Y8 boys race and Mark Latham (Tarporley) claimed victory in the Y7 boys race, from runner-up Elijah Montez-Brown (Ellesmere Port Catholic High) and third-placed Cameron Weaver (Bishops’.

The next round in the series takes place on Saturday, November 6.

West Cheshire AC’s youngsters will be travelling to Kingsway Leisure Centre, Widnes, on Sunday (noon start) for the second round of the North West Sportshall League.