The third annual New Forest Primary Schools Cross Country Championships were held at Gang Warily in cold and windy conditions.

However, the children, from schools throughout the forest, turned out in record numbers - there were 215 finishers - relishing the harsh conditions and produced two fine races with a large turnout of spectators.

In the girls' contest Jade Bristow (Calmore) led for most of the race only for Lavina Nkomo (Marchwood) to take the lead in the last 50 metres.

New Milton's Nicky Price was third in last year's event and came home in the same place this time around.

In the team event, 2004 winners Orchard again took the top place with Marchwood second and Blackfield third.

The boys' race produced a fine example of front-running with Dale Hansford from Abbotswood taking first place.

Matt Wood and Will Thompson (both Durlston Court) were second and third.

Orchard took the boys' team title for the first time with four runners in the top eight. Durlston were second and Abbotswood third.

The event was supported by the New Forest Junior Athletic Club with valuable help from Sports Leadership pupils from Testwood School in Totton.

Top finishers were:

Girls: 1 Orchard, 2 Marchwood, 3 Blackfield, 4 Orchard B, 5 Calmore, 6 New Milton

Boys: 1 Orchard, 2 Durlston Court, 3 Abbotswood, 4 Marchwood, 5 Orchard B, 6 Marchwood B.