Fun to run for pupils; GRASSROOTS SPORT.

FLEET-of-foot youngsters took over Clairville Stadium for a summer sports day to remember.

Children from Middlesbrough's Holmwood School battled it out against their peers for the top medals in a range of athletics events.

With pop music blaring over the speaker system and their family and friends cheering them on from the stands, around 80 pupils took part in running, long jump and shot-putt to name just a few events.

Official UK Athletics race starters did the honours and Great British Paralympic hopeful Lee Hunter, who narrowly missed out on a trip to Beijing, was on hand to cheer the children on.

Lee, 21, from Redcar, suffers from cerebral palsy and competes in the 100, 200 and 400 metre events. He presented the medals to the winners.

A team of 20 Unity Academy (UCA) sports leaders also helped the events run smoothly on the day.

Holmwood is a specialist school for children of primary school age with a range of complex needs.

Headteacher John Appleyard said: "Our children often need a lot more support than others. It's been an amazing experience for them, having a go at real athletics in a proper athletics ground.

"It's a really fun day out and a reward for all their hard work throughout the year."

CAPTION(S):

ATHLETICS JOY: Peter Drury puts all his effort into the shot putt, above, as the youngsters show their delight, left and far left, at the stadium; WINNING WAYS: Chad Mbuaru, left, beats Elliott Douglas and Michael Harrison in the 75m, right, as the crowds enjoy the action, below; IN LEAD: Dillon Buckley, right above, won his 100m heat from Andrew Taylor, centre; PUTTERS: Natasha Misditchian, left, and Demi Smith, above left, take part in the shot putt, as Sean Graham of UCA shows Andrew Lee what to do, above right; PROUD: Chad Mbuaru shows his winner's medal for the 75m; Pictures by ANGIE WEALL