Slideshow: Community College are kings of Cross-Country

Samuel Whitbread Community College in Clifton are the kings of cross-country in Bedfordshire.

The school provided nine of the 48-strong Beds team at the English schools' national cross-country championships at Sefton Park, Liverpool, on Saturday.

On what was expected to be one of the stormiest weekends of the winter, only the last race was affected by heavy rain in the end as athletes from all over the country raced for a place in the English schools' team.

Samuel Whitbread students James Burton and Chris Thornley contested the junior boys' race (Years Eight and Nine), along with Robert Bloomfield's Kenneth Mason.

While in the intermediate girls' race, Sam Cutler, Chelsea McKenzie, Abi Crane and Sophie Adams (all Samuel Whitbread) also ran well.

Ryan Parker ran in the senior boys' race and Emma Ramsey in the senior girls' race (Years 12 and 13).

Samuel Whitbread's developing reputation for producing great middle distance runners was also helped by the complete dominance in the recent Bedfordshire schools' cross-country relay competition.

There were perfect conditions for this year's competition at Maulden Wood near Ampthill which was bathed in warm sunlight and hardly any breeze.

More than 90 teams from 13 local schools competed in this annual event.

The course for the pupils from Years Five to Nine was not as undulating as the usual Rowney Warren venue which meant that many fast times were recorded.

The longer course for Year Nine to Sixth Form had some muddy stretches.

The competition was superbly organised by Ken Prior and his team from Biggleswade AC.

Five of the eight fastest lap medals were won by those from schools in Comet country - Daniel Dietzman (Etonbury), and James Burton, Abi Crane, Ryan Parker and Samantha Cutler (Samuel Whitbread).

Full results are on the club's website www.biggleswadeac.org.uk