THE theme for the Tavistock town relays was 'A Real Classic' and with the sun shining, a record number of senior teams entering the event and some marvellous, hotly contested races, the money raising event which formed part of the carnival week itinerary certainly lived up to it's billing!

Organisers were delighted not only with the weather and dry conditions but, moreover, the fabulous turnout.

Allan Herdman of TAC said: 'We look set to raise over £800 from this event.

'We look forward to handing over a big cheque to the Lions Club for local charities after we have finalised all of the finances.

'We are extremely thankful to the Lions for their support which included laying on the barbeque and we are also delighted that Steve John and his Abbey Garden Sales company was able to support us with generous sponsorship once again.

'Steve is a great supporter of Tavistock Athletic Club and we very much appreciate his association with us for this event.'

Twenty three teams contested the junior relays with athletes travelling from as far afield as Bude and St Petroc's in Cornwall.

The first team home overall and winners of the Year 11/12 category event were the 42 Toes : James Best, Pete Jarman, Jordan Channon and Sam Lane de Courtin, four of Tavistock Athletic Club's finest.

In fourth place overall and second in their Year 9/10 category were TAC's Will Pax, Josh Blake, Johnnie Williams and Harry Herdman. All the more pleasing with Johnnie being a year 8 and Harry a year 7!

Sixth team home and first year 7/8 girls' team were Emily Attfield, Jodie Stacey, Jess Kent-Woolsey and Mollie Rickwood. Next team home and first in their year 5/6 boys' race were Luke Edwards, Jamie Crocker-Valeron, Tom Brew and George Bumford. And, achieving a perfect symmetry in the results, the year 5/6 Girls' team of Jenny Milburn, Tilly McDowell, Tayla James and Olivia Kinnear took top spot in their race coming in ninth overall.

George Hillson, Finn Jenkins, Theo Jenkins and Richard Cann were the second team in the year 7/8 category. And also matching that success were the year 7/8 girls' team of Jade Kinsey, Megan Jenkins, Francesca Herdman and Lucy Stevens.

A record 51 teams signed up for the senior relay event which is a record field for this event.

Tavistock AC, the traditional winners of this event, had to settle for third place behind strong teams from East Cornwall Harriers who were runners up to Heles who took the crown.

But it was no disgrace for the Tavistock men Tony Symons, Dean Smith, Adam Tofield and Tom Lawson who made a valiant attempt to retain their title. However, it was the senior female team from Tavistock who ruled the roost in the ladies race with fine performances from Heather Fell, Becca Deane, Alice Rogers and Caroline Steven to take first place.

All of the results can be found by going to http://www.tavistockathletics.com">www.tavistockathletics.com

The club's next event, is a track and field open meeting at Tavistock College tonight (Thursday). Details of this, which is open to everyone who is eight years and above, can also be found on the club website.