A YOUNG runner from Trafford has scooped a gold medal in cross country at the East Cheshire Harriers Invitational Junior School Cross Country Relays in Tameside.

Nine-year-old Oliver Critchley, from Hale, is a pupil at the Manchester Grammar School (MGS) and was a key part of his school’s team victory in the competition. Oliver won gold for the school along with three other pupils.

The MGS team, comprising a total of 12 boys, were also the winning team overall on the day.

Oliver said: “I love cross country running and the wins make it even more enjoyable. I’m really proud of the school team; we had representations from each junior school year group, with a winner in each year, it’s great to see us all sharing in the success.”

Other members of the MGS team included Drew Baker, 11, from Wilmslow, nine-year-old Oliver Choi, from West Didsbury, and Harry Budworth, eight, from Saddleworth.

MGS’s head of junior PE, Matt Roe, said: “Oliver and the boys put in an excellent performance and we are so proud of their achievements at this young age.

“Cross country is a great sport for the boys to enjoy and build stamina and we are thrilled that the team has added to the late successes of 2013 with their results.”

More than 20 primary schools from the Manchester area took part in the competition.