A new-look athletics event is aiming to revive sport in primary schools.

The first Brighton and Hove Primary Schools Cross Country Championships at Waterhall attracted 500 runners.

Organiser Andy Marchant said: "Primary schools sport has suffered in recent years because teachers haven't had time to do it because they are so overstretched.

"As a result, a lot of youngsters concentrate on computer games instead. It is part of the reason the 'healthy schools' programme has been launched nationally to tackle problems like obesity.

"We can do our bit by acting as a support group for enthusiastic teachers and help organise events for the children. We had a great response to the cross country championships.

"We've got mini tennis and trampoline activities, plus a talent identification programme in the pipeline for various sports. The athletics championships are the biggest event we have organised so far and we're encouraged by how well it went.

"We want all youngsters to have a chance because you never know how good they can become."

Marchant believes the event, which was organised by Dorothy Stringer Sports College and hosted by Brighton Rugby Club, showed how venues can successfully mix sports.

He said: "Diversifying is useful for everyone. Waterhall is good for rugby but it also provides a superb facility for athletics. Spectators were able to see all the races without having to clamber up on banks. Brighton Rugby Club had 500 potential new members in their own back yard."

Every competitor received a medal.

Marchant said: "Quite often kids go off with nothing when they finish down the field. We make sure there is a medal for everyone. We're grateful to our sponsor (Sean Avard of Avard Estate Agents) for making that possible."

Our Lady of Lourdes were the top school in team events and all races were run over 2km.

They won the girls' under-tens crown and shared the boys' trophy with St Lukes in the same age group.

There was a dead heat in the boys' under-tens between Deandre Trimbey (Saltdean) and Matty Nicolson (St Lukes). Sean Richards (Our Lady of Lourdes) was third.

Becky Eaves won the girls' race from fellow Cottesmore pupil Sally McLafferty with Ella Cooper (Patcham) third.

Alex Dowd (St Martins) produced the performance of the championships by finishing 150m clear in the girls' under--11s race.

Cottesmore, who secured the team prize, were led home by Stephanie Hawkins in second and third-placed Adele Plat.

Sonny Williams (St Lukes) won the boys' under-11s title with Elliott Evans (Westdene) runner-up and Jamie Hughes, also St Lukes, third.

Downs triumphed in the team event.

Twenty two schools took part including: St Bernardettes, Mile Oak, St Lukes, St Martins, St Pauls, Coombe Road, Middle Street, Whitehawk, Stanford, Queens Park, Saltdean, Cottesmore, Our Lady of Lourdes, Patcham, Downs, Elm Grove, Woodingdean, St Marks, St John the Baptist, Westdene, Coldean, Balfour.