A SPECTACLE of sport gave pupils the chance to shine on the track and field as a whole school came together for the first time in a display of athleticism.
Boys and girls from Reception to Year 6 competed for medals and House glory in the inaugural Barnard Castle Preparatory School combined sports day.
The event saw Pre-Prep and Prep athletes compete in one event for the first time following the House system being extended throughout the school.
Track events ranged from 30m sprints to 800m while young athletes also battled it out in the high, long and standing jumps as well as throwing competitions.
A host of relay races, from 4x100m to the 6x60m shuttle, provided the crowds of families and friends with rising excitement as the House teams vied for double points, while rounds of tug of war trialled pupils’ strength and resilience.
A fiercely contested afternoon saw a succession of young athletes mount the podium to collect gold, silver and bronze medals, while the overall victory and the coveted Queen’s Cup went to Drake House, ahead of Raleigh, Grenville and Gilbert.
Barnard Castle Preparatory School headmistress Laura Turner said: “Sports day is one of the highlights of the year when all of our children can showcase their skills of sportsmanship, teamwork, determination and perseverance.
“I was thrilled to see how well pupils interacted, how the older ones looked after and encouraged the young and how the healthy spirit of competition spread throughout the Houses.
“Everyone did their very best regardless of age and ability and sports day was thoroughly enjoyed by the children, staff and many families who came along to watch.”