THORPE Hall were joined by 25 schools in an area ranging from Southend to Colchester and Billericay for their annual invitation cross-country event.

The competition in its fourth year, over two days, was for children in years three to 11 and was run in the school's superb grounds in Wakering Road.

Nearly 600 runners competed and even the atrocious weather conditions of ice cold winds and sleet didn't dampen spirits.

Race organisers Chris Morton and Adam Mayo said: "In the biting cold, the children did an excellent job of fighting the elements.

"On a bitterly cold day they all deserved their medals."

On the first day, the primary school races were dominated by Alleyn Court in both the the boys and girls competitions.

Southend High for Girls won all five senior girls' races on day two, with Southend Boys winning four out of the five boys' races. Westcliff won the year 11 boys event.