MENSTON ST Mary's RC School -designated as a Sports College - held its third annual Sports Day at South Leeds Stadium on Wednesday.

The school broke with tradition three years ago after staging all previous sports days in their own grounds.

The event, which involves all pupils in Years 7, 8 and 9 with assistance from the Year 12 Sixth form students, was a great success with over 90 per cent of all pupils participating in an event.

The task of transporting, accommodating and feeding over 600 people on the day is becoming more costly year on year. It was with some delight that the school were able to secure a sponsor for the event this year; Mr Philip Byrne. Mr Byrne was able to attend the day and watched some keen competition in the inter-form athletics events.

In Year 7 Dickinson and Fisher tied as winners on 219 points apiece.

Year 8 saw Gwyn emerge as champions with 233 points, five ahead of Fisher.

Year 9 was a close contest between Postgate and Wharton with Postgate finishing the day as champions with 248 points.

Five school athletics records were broken on the day. They were: Year 7 - Jessica Best 200m - 30.17 secs. Year 8 - James Holland 100m - 12.48 secs; Jodie Gregorczyk 1500m - 5.19.44 mins; 8 Gwyn 4x100m relay team boys - 56.30 secs - James Holland, Matthew Convey, Will Carder, Andrew Bowmar; Year 9 - Jenny Hopton 800m - 2.37.97 mins.