MORE than 130 children had a great time participating in the inaugural OCRA Primary School cross country, held at Castle Drogo.

There were lots of smiles, outstanding performances and a keenness by children to do their best and cheer others on.

Primary schools of all sizes came from West Devon and beyond to participate in the event that was organised by local sports charity OCRA, Hatherleigh School and the National Trust.

Stuart Lord, OCRA manager, said: 'This is great place to run.

'We wanted to deliver a truly inspirational event that took in the fantastic grounds and also the spectacular views of the gorge on the Hunter's Path.'

There was an outstanding performance from Okehampton boys' team who had six scoring runners, all in the top 14 out of a field of more than 70 runners.

Hatherleigh girls' team was on top form with all eight runners coming home in the top 23. Their runners were Ellie, Ella, Chelsea, Millie, Imogen, Caitlin, Amelia and Mary .

Lew Trenchard headed both the boys' and girls' small schools competition with notable performances from Josh and Emma.

Mr Lord added: 'It has been wonderful working with Paula Clarke and the fantastic team at Castle Drogo on this event.

'As well as running, we have also organised a range of activities for the children to enjoy that included fire making, fencing, arts and the chance to explore the Castle and grounds.'

Mr Lord thanked Okehampton College for involving students studying event management, and Okehampton Running Club for providing marshals.

The event will be back next year, so any schools that would like to enter please contact OCRA on 01837 54546 or admin@ocrasport. org.uk

RESULTS: Boys: 1, Connor, Okehampton, 10 minutes 23 seconds; 2, Dan, Chulmleigh; 3, Will, Chulmleigh.

Girls: 1, Ella, Chulmleigh, 11mins 28 secs; 2, Emma, Lew Trenchard; 3, Ellie, Hatherleigh and Harriet, Chulmleigh.

Teams: Llarge school boys: 1, Okehampton; 2, Hatherleigh, 3, Chulmleigh.

Teams, large school girls: 1, Hatherleigh; 2, Chulmleigh; 3, North Tawton.

Teams, small school girls: 1, Lew Trenchard; 2, Exbourne; 3, Milton Abbot A.

Teams, small school boys: 1, Lew Trenchard; 2, Milton Abbot A; 3, Exbourne.