KENDAL's Queen Katherine School maintained its position as one of the top schools for fell running at the English Schools Fell Running Championships.

QKS finished third behind Penrith's Queen Elizabeth Grammar School and winner Ryedale from North Yorkshire at the steep and challenging course at Calder High School, near Halifax.

Thirty one students from QKS took part, ranging from Year Seven to Year 13.

The first race of the day was for Year Sevens and was won by Sam Almond from QEGS, closely followed by Louis Hudson, then Joshua Roelants from QKS in third place.

In the Year Eight and Nine race, Esme Davies from QEGS took first prize for the girls and the next Cumbrian girl to finish was QKS's Stephanie Driscoll in fourth.

Cumbrian success struck again for the Year Ten and Eleven girls as QKS scooped the team prize through Katherine Lawson, Mia Senior and Katie Russell.

In the last race of the day - for Year 12 and 13 students - Chris Richards of Kirkbie Kendal took third prize.

Chris’ training buddy, Matthew Senior of QKS, claimed eighth position.

Lorna Askew, QKS team manager, said: "This event is a great opportunity for young runners to race against their peers in England. With a vast heritage of fell-running behind them, it was great to see so many Cumbrian juniors keen to pitch into these very competitive races.”

Head teacher Gareth Roscoe added: “Yet again I am pleased to see so many QKS students taking part in this national event. It is very pleasing to see the team result and especially some fine individual performances.”