ON one of the coldest days of the year nearly 400 primary school children braved the weather and invaded the frozen grounds of Boconnoc Estate.

The fourth event of this season's East Cornwall Harriers Primary Schools Cross-Country League, sponsored by the Cornish Times, saw very competitive racing as this was the penultimate opportunity to gain good league points for individual standings and the team competition.

Tilly McDowell from Delaware has yet to drop a point after winning every event in the Years 3/4 girls' races. Charlotte Hicks from Upton Cross continues to run well, finishing second, and Caitlin Dawe from Menheniot took third.

Oliver Smart from Antony proved he was unaffected by the cold to take another win in the Years 3/4 boys' race. James Walker from Harrowbarrow was second leaving Harry Gravener from St Martin's to round out the top three.

The top two positions in the Years 5/6 girls' race were unchanged from the previous event at Cotehele, with Caitlyn Price from Looe winning, Molly O'Dwyer from Dobwalls finishing second and Isobel Aspen from Callington third.

Soloman Phillips, of Trenode, won the Years 5/6 boys' race with Jamie Williams, of Sir Robert Geffery's, taking second and Josh Davies, of Calstock, putting in a fine run to break into the top three for the first time.

The team competitions are still extremely competitive; each age group remains undecided meaning the last event at Bush Farm will be a nailbiter.

Organisers thanked Tamar Fruiterers, volunteer marshals and the owners of Boconnoc Estate.