King’s Ely students were on top form at the annual County Schools’ Athletics Championships.

Six local athletes will now compete in the Anglian Schools’ Athletics Championships next weekend following their achievements at the county championships on May 27.

Kicking off King’s Ely’s day of success was 15-year-old Arthur Plews, who was crowned county champion in the long jump.

In a very tight competition, he jumped an impressive 5.68 metres to clinch the win.

Ben Marshall high jumped 1.55 metres - equalling his personal best - then later ran 13.4 in the hurdles into a slight head wind to gain county vests in two events.

Harriet Cheseldene-Culley smashed her personal best in the long jump with a 4.66 metre leap, gaining second place by a few centimetres.

Macy Gow also soared out to 4.77m to gain her place in the county team.

Elizabeth Carberry threw 21.02 metres in the discus, which was also a new personal best. She is closing in on the elusive 23 metre target set for the year and it is hoped she will manage that distance when in county colours.

Molly Jones, returning from a hip injury, fought to get second place in the 300 metres. She ran in the National Cross-country Championships and earned her second county vest.

King’s Ely athletes who did not make the county team but still competed with distinction included Billy McGrath, who was a very creditable third in the discus with a 28 metre throw - his best throw this year. He also equalled his personal best in the high jump.

Josh Jackson, 14, ran well in the 800m, Aaron Pugh was third in the discus, his brother Sean finished in fourth in the javelin, and Tom Kim came fifth in the long jump.

Head of athletics at King’s Ely, Jim Thompson, said: “The attitude of all our district athletes has been fantastic and they have all shown a willingness to learn and improve in their specialised events.

“A special mention must go to six of our athletes who qualified for the Anglian Schools’ Athletics Championships.

“They have all put in a huge amount of work to gain qualification, and I am very proud of their efforts.”

The Championships take place in Cambridge next Sunday (18).