Loreto Preparatory School’s champion cross-country runners dominated the Independent Schools’ Association’s Northern regional championships in Rochdale before going on to represent the region at the national finals in Warwick.

Ella Gillespie turned on the throttle to come first in the under-11 event at Rochdale, with Aisling McHale finishing on her heels in second place.

Tough cookie Orla Gregory then came third in the under-12 event on what was a mud soaked course with a series of hills and leg sapping blustery conditions.

Also selected for the Northern team were the fleet-footed sisters Amira and Zahrah McWilliams and the stylish Katie Budd.

Head of PE at Loreto Preparatory School, Jan Brett, paid tribute to a special partnership between school, home and club. “We have some tremendously supportive parents but must also thank a whole host of wonderful local athletics clubs who build on what we do in school to develop these young talents both mentally and physically.”