MAXIM Winterbottom-Hawke was the pick of the runners at the annual Rossendale Schools Cross County championships after winning all four races.

The Haslingden Primary School pupil was rightly named the overall boys winner -- and Jennifer Davies of Rawtenstall CE was the pick of the girl runners.

Jennifer won three of the four races and finished runner-up in her other outing. Both Jennifer and Maxim are members of Rossendale Athletic Club.

Luke Driscall of Haslingden RC finished runner-up behind Maxim while Chris Windle of Edgeside Primary School was in third place.

In the girls event, there was no separating Katie Simcock of Rawtenstall CE and Stubbins Primary School's Laura Johnston who shared second spot.

Laura's performance helped Stubbins to the overall team award after the school won performed superbly to win all four races.

The school also picked up the small school award.

And it was the same for Haslingden whose two wins and two runners-up places took the boys team award and the large school trophy.

All the runners who took part were presented with certificates.

The event, which attracted more than 150 boys and girls in each of the heats from 17 schools from across the Valley, is regarded as one of the biggest competitions in Rossendale.