LORETO Grammar School runners finished a superb second in the English Schools' Athletics Association's intermediate cross-country championships for athletes in Years 9 and 10.

It is the Altrincham catholic grammar school's second best ever showing in the blue ribbon event, having took the title in 2012, with their England star Harriet Knowles-Jones winning the individual event.

The latest success came after wins at both the county and regional qualifiers, with the Loreto team qualifying as one of 24 top English schools and talented Year 9 runner Jessica Spilsbury coming second in the region wide race.

On a tough course in windy conditions at the Range School on the Formby Coast, with some 140 runners competing, Loreto produced a string of fine individual runs.

At Year 10 level, Aine Gibbons was fifth, India Hayes eighth, Megan Finn 70th and Alice Stiles 102nd.

In Year 9, Jessica Spilsbury was 15th, Siobhan Gregory 69th, with the redoubtable Katie Moss and Molly Atherton in reserve.

Loreto Grammar School's head of physical education Catherine Ball said: “Success is founded on the sheer determination of the girls to train outside of school in all weathers and support each other on the day.

“It is always heartening to see how those who have finished then stop by the line to cheer home their team-mates, no matter what position they are in or how tired they feel themselves.”

The next big challenge is the King Henry VIII School's gala event this year where the Loreto flyers appear as defending champions and one of the favourites.