NEARLY 500 runners took to the lanes and paths around Hanley Castle High School for the Hanley Run.

The traditional cross-country event has been a feature of the school calendar for hundreds of years with pupils, staff and ex-students running about two miles.

The weather and underfoot conditions were excellent so good times were recorded.

The run is compulsory for all of key stage three pupils and the Hanley Run Cup goes to the fastest from year nine.

This year’s winner was Kai Gooden-Morris in a time of 12 minutes 41 seconds.

The field was bolstered with a record entry of 72 people from outside key stage three.

Deputy head teacher Rob Johnston, who presented the medals, said: “This amazing event really brings out the best in our school community, from those who help marshal, the timekeepers and all of the fantastic runners.”