Upton Junior School in Broadstairs has hosted qualifying heats for the national biathlon competition.

The successful event attracted more than 70 competitors from around London and the south east region, with 25 entering from Upton school.

Callum Noble, sports coach and PE Lead, said: “We decided to hold our own national qualifiers as opportunities in the south east were few and far between.

“Our reasoning is that we firmly believe that all children should have the opportunity to partake in a national event such as this if they wish. Our aim was to make attendance at qualifying heats easy and to give the opportunity to as many young people as possible.

“All children in Year 3 to Year 6 and even teachers could enter. The Year 3 and Year 4 races involved a 400m run and a 25m swim, with Year 5 and Year 6 competitors and teachers running 800m and swimming 50m.

“This event was a national qualifier with the top 100 competitors across the country in each age group reaching the national finals in Redditch which will take place in March 2023.”

Competitors will find out if they made the nationals on January 6, 2023.

Head of School Darci Arthur said: “We are a firm believer in giving young people as many opportunities as possible to take part in all sports.

“Upton was happy to step in and organise an accessible event which otherwise many have been difficult for some competitors due to the lack of qualifying heats in our region. We are fortunate to have good playing fields, a sports hall and a swimming pool on our site.”