AROUND 200 pupils from 14 different schools took part in the South West Dorset Primary Cross Country races held at Colfox School.

The girls got the event off to a quick start despite a heavy downpour which made parts of the course very heavy going.

Dolice Gatehouse (St Catherine’s, 10mins 45secs) was perhaps the surprise in the pack as she ran superbly to lead with just 300 metres to go, but it was 2012 Clusters winner Olivia Willmore (Loders, 10.16) who eventually retained her title in a course record. Jasmine Wellman was third (Marshwood, 11.09).

The boys’ race was also very fast but this time Manny Cox (Bridport Primary, 9.42) led from the start and was never going to let that advantage go.

He held a 50-metre lead throughout most of the race and went on to set another course record ahead of Loders duo Frankie Chant (9.58) and Marcus Burt (10.33).

Loders won the girls’ team title while Bridport Primary claimed the boys’ equivalent.