PROMOTION was the reward for St Lawrence Academy after a successful day at the North Lincolnshire Secondary Schools Athletics Championships at Quibell Park.

The event was open to all North Lincolnshire Secondary Schools, for students in years seven though to 10.

St Lawrence were in inspired mood after the visit of Olympic gold medallist Darren Campbell to their Doncaster Road school and began the day looking for promotion from Division Two.

And despite facing tough competition throughout – from North Axholme, Vale of Ancholme, Foxhills Technology College and St Bede's – they achieved their aim.

Stand out displays included Nathan Togun, Shannon Ritchie, Dale Williams, Jessica Watson, Liam Linton and Emma Pearson, although final individual placings are yet to be confirmed.

Many of the final standings were decided by the relay events, held at the end of the championships.

And in those team races, St Lawrence were dominant, reflected in the amount of year groups they emerged victorious in.

Academy athletes were winners in years seven, eight and nine boys categories, as well as triumphing in the girls' year 10 race.

Now the school move up a division to take on the larger schools such as Frederick Gough, Baysgarth and Winterton next year.

After the celebrations had died down, St Lawrence PE teacher Sarah Burdett was delighted with her team's performances.

"It is an amazing achievement, reflecting the talent of young athletes across the Academy," Sarah told Junior all-stars.

"Many are now attending Scunthorpe and District Athletic Club training nights and there are lots of great prospects for the future.

"It was a fantastic team effort to reflect a very successful year for the sporting teams, athletes and performers of St Lawrence Academy."