WOODHOUSE Grove School pupil George Armstrong could not hide his delight after defending his discus title at the Sainsbury’s School Games.

More than 1,600 talented schoolchildren descended on Manchester to compete in 12 sports across four action-packed days.

And Armstrong, representing England North East, was one of the stars of the Games – throwing 59.16 metres to win gold by over eight metres from Northern Ireland’s Andrew Barkley.

The 16-year-old is now preparing for a big winter of training as he looks to secure a spot on the Great Britain team for the European Junior Athletics Championships next year.

“I’m really happy. It's been a good season and it’s nice to finish off with some good distances,” said Armstrong.

“This is my second time at the Sainsbury’s School Games and I won it last year, so it just gets better and better every year. It’s always one of the better competitions to come to.

“I need a big winter now and get ready for the move up to the heavier weight. The European juniors are my big aim for next year. I just want to continue to get better and, if it comes, go professional.

“We had people like Lawrence Okoye who brought discus to the fore and people saw it as an event like they’ve never seen it before. He’s my main idol. We’ve lived similar lives with the rugby and athletics.”

Armstrong was not the only athlete from the area to medal in Manchester, with Emile Cairess taking home silver in the boys’ 3000m.

The Bradford Grammar School pupil benefitted from England South East’s Alex Yee being disqualified, but he has now set his sights on being part of the next generation of Sainsbury’s School Games to compete on the biggest stage.

“I’ve left it too late in other races but this time I decided to take it on with a kilometre to go,” said Bingley Harriers member Cairess.

“I’m going to have a break now and then it’s all about the cross-country season.

“The long-term dream is the Olympics, the same as everyone – 2020 would be the perfect world but I’ll see how everything goes. These games are the opportunity to race against the best in the country. I’m always going to remember it.”

* The Sainsbury’s 2014 School Games, which is supported by National Lottery funding from Sport England and delivered by the Youth Sport Trust, was held in venues across Manchester from 4-7 September 2014. Visit www.2014schoolgames.com for more information.