Thetford AC athletes Georgina Howe, Ryan Skipp and Oliver Thompson made the long trek to the Julie Rose Stadium in Ashford, Kent at the weekend to compete in the prestigious South of England Athletic Association U15/U17 track and field championships.

Thetford AC athletes Georgina Howe, Ryan Skipp and Oliver Thompson made the long trek to the Julie Rose Stadium in Ashford, Kent at the weekend to compete in the prestigious South of England Athletic Association U15/U17 track and field championships.

Competing in the U17 hammer competition, Georgina Howe managed to secure a brilliant second place and a silver medal against tough opposition, which included Britain's number one hammer thrower, with a superb final round throw of 43.72m.

Also competing in the hammer competition in the boys' U15 category was up-and-coming thrower Oliver Thompson.

Competing in his first ever South of England Championships, Oliver acquitted himself well against far more experienced opposition to finish with a fine 34.42m.

The following day Oliver competed in the discus, finishing with an excellent 27.19m.

Ryan Skipp, competing in the single lap 400m event within the U17 age group, had the challenge of competing in a heat and semi-final on the same day.

Battling against windy conditions and a very tough field, Ryan narrowly missed out on a place in the final by just one tenth of a second.

Thetford AC is offering the chance for all eight to 16-year-olds to try a range of athletics activities in a fun and friendly environment on Saturday mornings throughout June.

The free taster sessions will take place from 10 to 11.30am at the Mundford Road ground of Thetford Rugby Club on June 5, 12, 19 and 26.

Club coach Gary Howe explained: “This is a great opportunity for anyone to come along and have a go at running, jumping and throwing activities under the supervision of fully-trained UK Athletics-qualified and CRB-checked coaches.”

For further information Gary can contacted on 01842 753447 or visit the club's website at www.thetford-ac.co.uk

The sessions are being supported by funding from the Breckland Partnership through the Participatory Budgeting Scheme, which will allow the printing and distribution of translated advertising.