A 12-year-old athlete who smashed a record set by an older teenager was among the stars of a school sports day.
A number of previous top times and distances tumbled at Darlington School of Mathematics and Science despite searing heat and sunshine.
Joe Watts, 12, of High Grange, was unaffected by the temperatures when he knocked three seconds off the 400m record with a time of 1.12. The previous record holder, Year 11 student Danny Pigg, acknowledged the achievement by presenting Joe with his winner's medal.
Runners in the 800m were also on top form with Shannon Trenholme, 14, from Branksome, and Ben Tinkler, 14, of Cockerton, setting new records for Year 9.
Karla Bell, 12, of Park Lane, had the privilege of setting the first time in the inaugural Year 7 girls’ 80m race with 14.0 seconds.
Head teacher Calvin Kipling said: “We have been developing all facilities at the academy for the past two years and have just begun work on a brand new sports hall.
“It’s great to see that students are inspired by our efforts and breaking records as a result. Sport is an important element in providing a rounded education for our students.
“The new house system introduces a spirit of healthy competition which transfers to academic studies and raises aspirations across the board. Every one of our students put their hearts into sports day and reaped the rewards as a result.”
