A JUNIOR athletics team cleared a host of injury hurdles to compete finish in the top five of a national competition.

The team from Northallerton School finished fourth in the English Schools’ Athletics Championships in Hull.

Head of sports faculty Anna Harvey, praised their achievements in the track and field event, particularly because some of the team stepped in late on.

Ms Harvey said: “Our junior squad is a fantastic team that put in a lot of hard work and effort on the day.

“We had a few injuries which could have affected us but a number of people stepped up to fill the gaps which was great to see.

“The school has a strong athletics team, across all year groups, with very committed and enthusiastic athletes which bodes well for our success in future competitions.”

Squad member Amber Williamson, 13, of Northallerton, who finished second in the 75m hurdles, added: “It was a challenging competition against all of the other schools but also a lot of fun. I though the whole team performed really well, we had a great team spirit, despite a few injury worries, and it was a great achievement overall.”