YOUNG athletes battled it out on track and field for the pride of their school houses bringing another successful year to a close.
Hundreds of friends and family packed the back fields at Barnard Castle School to see records tumble in a host of disciplines.
Children from Reception class to Year 13 took part in a variety of sports, ranging from sprints, relays and long distance races to high, long and standing jumps, throwing, javelin, discus and tug of war.
Headmistress of Prep School Laura Turner told the children: “Well done. We have seen some outstanding performances today and records broken in what has been the closet run competition for years.”
In the tug of war three houses – Drake, Gilbert and Grenville – shared the first place honours, while overall Grenville and Raleigh tied on 432 points to take the Prep School Queen’s Cup.
For Tony Jackson, headmaster of Senior School, sports day marked the end of his tenure as he leaves teaching to go into industry.
He said: “If there is ever a better way to conclude an entire academic year with a whole school sports day, I have yet to find it.
“More than 700 students, hundreds of parents, supporters and staff, all willing their children and respective houses on, but within an overall spirit of camaraderie and community. It is a microcosm of all things Barney, with a wonderful combination of healthy competition mixed with grace in victory and magnanimity in defeat.
“At the end of my journey, I repeat my thanks to you for your unwavering support of me and our school throughout my time at Barney.”
