How sporty schoolchildren are ahead of the field (From St Helens Star)

How sporty Legh Vale schoolchildren are ahead of the field

12:00pm Sunday 5th August 2012 in News By St Helens Star newsdesk

IMAGES and stories of the London 2012 Olympics are inspiring thousands more children to take up sport.

But one primary school is already bursting out of the starting blocks after celebrating a remarkable year of success.

Legh Vale Primary School, in Haydock, held a medal ceremony this month to mark their indoor athletics team being crowned national champions for 2011.

The school’s amazing run started when they claimed a third successive St Helens title.

Pupils went on to record a convincing victory in the Merseyside County Finals in March, before being crowned North West Champions two months later.

As the season drew to an end, all the results for every primary school were entered into a national UK data base.

Legh Vale youngsters finished top of the rankings, meaning they are the pinnacle of primary school athletics, resulting in them being named the inaugural national champions.

Teacher and team coach Mark Dickinson said: “This news is testimony to the commitment, determination and team spirit displayed by all our young athletes and I couldn't be more proud of them.

“A special mention must also go to our volunteer coaches Andy Doward, Charley Doward and Geoff Hamon as well as our sponsors Nestle Cheerios.”

Headteacher Andrew Howard said: “We are all very proud of our sports teams at Legh Vale, none more so than the athletics squad and in an Olympic and Jubilee year, we are honoured to fly the flag for St Helens schools.”