YOUNG athletes battled it out on the track and field recently at Gala Harriers Club Championships.

A total of 36 youngsters entered the annual event at Tweedbank Sports Centre with the opportunity to compete in six disciplines to become age group champions.

Events on offer were 100m, 800m, long jump, high jump, javelin and shot putt.

Athletes were encouraged to try as many events as possible with points awarded in line with their position so that the lowest overall points tally secured the win.

There was a large turnout in the Under 11 category with eleven girls and thirteen boys taking part in the various events.

Erin Gray won the girls title comfortably with a total of eight points.

Ellie Darlow was second with 20 points, and Kirsty Rankine was only three points adrift with a score of 23.

Under 11 boys champion was Ross Christie with 13 points. Scoring 19 points, Callum Henderson was second, and Nairn Moncrieff was third with 28.

Isla Paterson was Under 13 girls champion with eight points and Maria Imray came a close second with ten points.

Ewan Christie took the U13 boys title in style, winning all six events to score six points, with Cameron Rankine coming second (12 points) and Archie Hendry in third with 31 points.

The Under 15 boys title was competitively contested with Robin Lowthian and Gregor Collins finishing with 10 points each to become joint champions.

Jack McDonald was a close second with 16 points.

The Under 17 girls age group resulted in a close competition between Kate Scott and Caris Brus.

With the final event being high jump, Caris managed to secure the victory, scoring an overall total of eight points to Kate’s ten.

The Under 15 girls champion was Emma Brus, with the Under 17 boys championship going to Jake Shepherd.

Club members and parents helped to officiate at the championships with times being recorded and jumps and throws being measured for every athlete.

Trophies were presented to the age group winners after Thursday night’s training session and their achievements will be celebrated at the club’s presentation night in November.