YOUNG athletes from across the county descended on Newtown's Dolerw Park for the annual school's cross country.

The event has become a popular part of the school's sporting calendar and represents the first major outdoor event of the year.

As ever the event was well supported by the region's schools with Newtown, Welshpool, Llanidloes, Llanfair Caereinion, Llanfyllin and Bro Hyddgen joined by their southern counterparts from Llandrindod Wells, John Beddoes in Presteigne and Builth Wells.

The top finishers in each category secured a place in the Powys squad for the nationals to be held in Brecon next month.

Newtown celebrated several top finishes with Leah Roberts winning the middle girls race with Tayla Trigg third.

Olivia Robson topped the junior girls race with Carys Breeze taking second while Chloe Murton Davies was third on the lower junior girls race.

Meanwhile Oliver Jones and Aled Breeze both ended third in the junior and lower junior boys races.

Organiser Bernie Jones said: "Once again the Powys Schools cross country was a great event thanks to the support of the schools and the enthusiasm of the students that took part.

"Powys schools have always supported its students sporting opportunities and the cross country is a great way to develop the talent of young athletes from across the county."

Among the stars to have graced Dolerw Park on their way to national and international stardom is Llandrindod Wells twins Ffion and Rhianwedd Price as well as the Spa town's Heidi Davies.

Llanidloes' Lauren Williams and Welshpool's Abi Bowers have also previously starred at Dolerw Park.