NEARLY 500 PUPILS have taken part in the annual Forth Valley Schools Cross- Country Championships in Alloa’s West End Park.

Some 300 youngsters represented 41 primary schools while another 170 pupils came from 13 secondary schools in the Forth Valley. All had qualified in local events in Clackmannanshire, Stirling and Falkirk.

The P6 and P7 pupils ran over a one-mile course and secondary pupils competed over a 1.5-mile course.

Triple Scottish cross country champion and Central Athletic Club member Robert Russell presented the trophies and said, “I was delighted to be asked to come along to this event and I was so impressed by the standard of performance.

“The participants’ determination and drive shown during each race was there for all to see. I thought there was a lot of potential on show.”

Liz Francis, Sport Central athletics development manager, said, “The event was really well organised by Clackmannanshire’s sports development team.

“Another positive was that Sport Central, Clackmannanshire Council, Active Stirling and Falkirk Council worked with the local athletics clubs, Central and Falkirk Victoria Harriers, to help ensure the event ran smoothly on the day.

“As a result, so many aspiring young people enjoyed an excellent day.”