Some of the best junior orienteers in the country live in our local area.The British Championships were held at Wharnecliffe Woods, near Sheffield, and several members of the Junior Section of Airienteers (the local orienteering club for Leeds and Bradford) proved they were amongst the best in the country in this demanding sport.

The best performances were by George Stevens of Ilkley, aged 12, (pictured above) who won the Under-13 boys' competition and by Flora Haines, also of Ilkley, (aged 10) who won the Under-11 girls' race. Both were running against the best age-group athletes from all other clubs in Britain, so their achievement is especially notable.

Airienteers have established a programme to develop the talents of young runners, and it showed at Sheffield. Other notable performances included: Boys, U-13 Sam Brown (8th), Ben Gill (9th), Robert Kelly (11th). U-15 Jack Wood (3rd), Hector Haines (4th). U-17 Ben Stevens (3rd), Jo Mercer (8th).

Girls, U-11 Cerys Jones (4th). U-13 Chloe Haines (4th). U-15 Victoria Stevens (9th). U-19 Rose Burden (5th).The second day of the Championships was for the Relay races - a very exciting form of orienteering where the lead can change several times. Airienteers were again successful with the U-15 boys team of Hector Haines, George Stevens and Jack Wood beating all-comers in a hard-fought race. The club entered two U-13 teams

and the A team of Sam Brown, Robert Kelly, and Ben Gill came second whilst the B team of Chloe Haines, Richard Jones, and Cerys Jones came 6th. Finally, the U-19 team of Ben Stevens, Rose Burden, and Jo Mercer achieved fourth place.

Airienteers aim to become one of the strongest orienteering clubs in Britain and will begin a Junior Coaching programme in September which hopes to both attract new young runners and develop the talents of existing members of the club. Anyone who wants more information, please contact Frank Kew on 01943 430115 or visit the web-site at www.aire.org.uk.