By James Broadhurst

Last updated at 11:30, Wednesday, 04 July 2012

An Olympic torch-bearer was the surprise special guest at a Workington school’s sports day.

Angel Clark, left and Sarah-Ann Ritchie were members of the class which chose Brazil as its nation under whose flag they wanted to compete

Angela Brand-Barker, of Riverdale Lane, Cockermouth, was invited to St Joseph’s Catholic High School’s Olympic-themed sports day at Derwent Park yesterday.

The 50-year-old ran through Maryport with the Olympic torch on June 21 and was invited by the school to run around the speedway track as part of the opening ceremony.

Angela turning up was a surprise to the pupils and all the winners and runners-up in each event were able to hold the torch and have their photographs taken with her.

Angela said: “It’s been absolutely fantastic. Everyone just seems so very happy.”

Each year group was divided into form classes with the different classes competing against each.

Before the sports day, each form class put together a written bid to represent a country at the sports day. Pupils researched their chosen country to explain their choice.

Jack Dryden, 14, who ran in the year nine 100-metre sprint, said: “The whole school has enjoyed being out for the day and doing something different.”

Lucy Fleming, 14, who ran in the year nine marathon, said: “Having the torch here is something special and being that close to it was really cool.”

The pupils who finished in the first, second and third places were given certificates, and on Monday the form class from each year group which totalled the most number of points from the day will be crowned champions of their year.

But the pupils weren’t the only ones competing. Staff also competed in a relay race, with the year nine teachers coming away with the bragging rights.

Tom Ryan, headteacher, said: “It’s been tremendous. All the children participated and we had such a range of activities.”

First published at 11:31, Wednesday, 04 July 2012
Published by http://www.newsandstar.co.uk