Hundreds of eager youngsters braved the cold weather in a bid to come first place at a cross-country battle today.

In day two of the Norfolk Winter School Games, budding athletes from Years 3-6 from across the county took to the fields surrounding Gresham's School in north Norfolk.

Four races, eight teams, 640 youngsters and a total of 5,200 metres made the day a cross-country victory with more than 500 parents cheering their children on at the finish line.

Warming up with his team mates was Nathaniel Cooper, 10, from Bure Valley School in Aylsham who competed for the North Norfolk Sports Partnership.

He raced in North Walsham in order to win his spot in today's team.

The Year 6 student said: 'I am nervous that I am not going to know the track well enough but am excited to race — I like cross country and want to be a runner when I grow up.'

And charging over the finish line, South Norfolk Partnership boys Oscar Albrow, 9, and Hayden Summerfield, 10, were pleased with their fourth and fifth place.

Oscar said: 'I kept my speed up because people were sprinting behind me and Hayden and I kept each other going.'

Asha Soanes, 10, from the Breckland Schools Partnership, said: 'I think it is worth it — I wanted to beat my score from last year and I came 10 places better.'

Her mother Nicci Girkin said: 'It is a tough race, we are just proud they are here.'

Year 3 competed in a 1,000m race, Year 4 in a 1,200 metre race, Year 5 in 1,400 metres and Year 6 in a 1,600 metre race.

Each runner won their place in regional heats, where the top 10 from each year group were selected to compete in the county races where they are encouraged to continue with the sport.

Stephen Hulme, county school games organiser said youngsters were given information on local athletics clubs.

He said: 'There has been an incredibly high level of talent in the most inclusive school games yet.'

Do you know of a north Norfolk school taking part in an interesting sports activity? Email sabah.meddings@archant.co.uk