THE new athletics facility at Tavistock Community Sports Centre were put fully to the test as the Tavistock Athletic Club hosted the Devon Open Series track and field meeting.

Attracting a record 207 athletes from Devon and beyond the meet provided for all age groups from U10s to veterans. Also organisers were delighted to see many disabled athletes competing.

Those who travelled from as far afield as Bristol, Yeovil and Bournemouth was that Tavistock's debut in hosting major athletics events was nothing short of a success. Tavistock Athletic Club had 64 members taking part with some superb performances were witnessed by the large number of spectators.

In the U10s category Tayla James won the girls' long jump while Luke Edwards did likewise in the U11s boys. Luke also won the 150 metres run. U11s girl Jenny Milburn had a fine victory in the 600m and Harry Herdman topped the field in the 100 metres in the U13s boys race with U13s girl Jasmine Gray winning the 800 metres.

U15s Patrick Channings, who came second in the South West Regional Schools 400 metres race breaking his personal best and club record, came out on top in both the boys' 100 and 200 metres races. Fellow U15 boy Jordan Channon was the one to beat in the 3,000 metres. Joe Cornish also took the top spot in the U15 boys long jump. Jade Kinsey gained victory in the U15 girls 300m while in the same age group Mollie Rickwood won the triple jump.

At U17s level, James Best won his 3,000m race as did Dean Smith in the 800 metres. The pair came together as part of the 4 x 200m relay team and ran out winners in that too. U20s man Josh Steven won the mile race in his age category and debutant Jack Lane de Courtin won the 100m.

Adam Tofield enjoyed another good day with victory in his senior men's 100 and 800 metres then stormed home to first place with his 4 x 200 metres relay team.

In the veterans' category it was a hit trick of wins for Caroline Steven showing her versatility by taking the 100 metres, one mile and hammer. Tony Symons won his vets one mile race then followed up with a first place in the 800m.

Gary Chater, another debutant, was victorious in the vet men's shot putt. Despite pulling up with a calf injury with 300m to go Richard Drage had such a commanding lead that he was able to walk to the finish line to win the 5,000m race.

Tavistock Town Relays will be held in The Meadows on Thursday, July 19 - details on the club website.

TAC are planning a series of open meetings on the track over the next three months. These will include a short but varied programme of events covering all of the athletic disciplines. As well as providing extra competition for club athletes they will be specifically designed as 'come-and-have-a –go' events for those who fancy trying their hand at sprinting, middle distance, long and triple jumping or the throwing events of discus, javelin and shot putt.

Tavistock Community Sports Centre offers a wide range of activities and instructor led classes along with fitness suite and swimming pool memberships. For details call 01822 813 238 or visit the website http://www.tavistocksportscentre.co.uk">www.tavistocksportscentre.co.uk