Over 240 children competed in a district wide cross country event.

There were 11 schools from West Essex taking part in the race held at High Ongar Primary School in The Street on Thursday.

The competitors from years three to six started in the school grounds before traversing across the muddy fields of Ongar.

This year, the Hare, or the leader of the race was Will Kerwin, an ex-pupil of High Ongar Primary, who is now competing nationally, and is an ex-winner of the annual event.

Mrs Penny Bennet who handed out the medals, said: “It was great that Will turned up, I had to convince his current head teacher to let him come.

“He is something for the children to aspire to.

“The weather wasn’t great but everyone enjoyed the race and it was very enjoyable to watch.”

“There was a strong healthy competitive spirit throughout that was always sporting.”