YOUTH SPORT: PRIMARY School children are up and running in the annual Sportshall Athletics competition.

The popular tournament for schools across the borough of Crewe and Nantwich got under way with the first heats at Shavington High School on Thursday.

Hundreds of people gathered to watch talented youngsters from Years 5 and 6 at urban schools take part in a range of competitions, including running, jumping and throwing games.

Haslington Primary School came out on top, with last year's urban champions Wistaston finishing second in a tight contest which also involved Vine Tree, Shavington and Berkeley.

Niall McGregor, a sports development officer for Crewe and Nantwich Borough Council which runs the event, said: 'Having a sportshall full of energetic enthusiastic young people all competing and cheering each other on makes for an electric atmosphere.

'This year we have built on the excitement and success of the previous six years. In total, 30 Crewe and Nantwich primary schools have entered the heats that will run in October and November.

'We hope that the youngsters who take part will be encouraged enough to join Crewe and Nantwich Athletics Club. The skills they learn are transferable to all sports.'

Only five teams from rural areas and five from the urban heats will make it to the final, which will be held early next year. Bickerton are reigning rural champions.

The remaining urban heats are at Brine Leas High School, on Tuesday November 1; Coppenhall High School on Wednesday, November 2, and Victoria High School on Tuesday, November 8. The rural heats are at Brine Leas High School on Wednesday November 9 and Thursday, November 17.

Anyone interested in joining Crewe and Nantwich AC can contact acting chairman Stephen Matthews on 07989 295817.