Hartlepool pupils' success in sports competition

St Aidan’s Primary School, in Loyalty Road, was competing in its second finals, while Clavering Primary School, in Clavering Road, was competing in its third.

The competition involved the top 14 schools in the Tees Valley area and nearly 400 children took part.

Sportshall Athletics is a programme of 24 events - 12 for boys and 12 for girls, with each child only being able to participate in a maximum of two track and two field events each.

Clavering children finished second, while St Aiden’s children were sixth.

Clavering headteacher Helen O’Brien, said: “Seeing the two Hartlepool schools finish second and sixth place overall was brilliant, especially as Hartlepool appears to be the worst-funded authority for school sport.

“Our own school hall isn’t even half the length required to train for most of the sportshall athletics events.’

The Clavering girls did particularly well, finishing in overall first place as a team.

Clavering deputy headteacher Neil McAvoy said: “It was great to see how the children and staff members from the two Hartlepool schools were keen to support one another.

“All the Hartlepool children should be incredibly proud of their achievements, and we are thrilled to have ‘medalled’ in this highly-competitive event for three years in a row.

“At a time when Hartlepool is coming under scrutiny for having some of the worst obesity figures for primary-aged children in the country, it was very encouraging to see so many fit and active Hartlepool children competing for both their school and town.”