THE new athletics facility at Tavistock College is the setting for the first ever major athletics competition to be held at the venue on Sunday. Tavistock Athletic Club are hosting the second of four fixtures in the Devon Open Series on behalf of Devon AA; the event starts at 1100. Athletes are encouraged to get there earlier to register in time.

Allan Herdman, a spokesman for TAC and event organiser, said: 'This is an open meeting. Although clubs from Devon are the main participants, anyone from anywhere can enter: even those who want to give athletics a go for the first time! The standard is good but the event is not daunting. Novices will be made welcome and encouraged. Minimum age is eight and there is no upper age limit.

'Tavistock AC would welcome people from the local area who are not members of the athletics club to give it a go. Why not come with some of your schoolmates and try your hand at some of the varied events? Depending upon your age you could sprint, run a little further in a distance race, throw or jump. And for those older potential athletes, the club offers you a challenge – who is the fastest man or woman in Tavistock? Or who can throw the javelin or shot putt the furthest distance?

'If you don't fancy competing then why not pop down to watch the spectacle unfold. It promises to be a great event with more than 100 athletes competing across all age groups.'

The full programme can be found on the club website at http://www.tavistockathletics.com">www.tavistockathletics.com — follow links to the Devon Open Series or call Allan on 01822 610895.