YOUNG Wyre Forest athletes are riding high in the track and field season, finishing in the runners up spot in the Heart of England Athletics League.

Kidderminster and Stourport Athletic Club’s juniors have also qualified for the National Youth Development League Midlands regional final taking place in Derby next week, at the expense of much bigger and more well-known clubs.

Youth league team manager Paul Roberts said: “This season has seen a tremendous blend of talented youngsters coming through, mixed with some of our more seasoned campaigners.

“On so many occasions over the summer, athletes have gained an extra place on the track, or in the field, getting us those vital extra points. I have lost count of how many personal bests they have achieved this year.”

At the Derby final, the club will be pitted against five clubs including the famous Coventry Godiva, which has produced a number of Olympians. A top two finish will see the club promoted into the premier league for the first time.

Ron Oliver, club chairman, said: “There is no doubt this is the best crop of youngsters we have had in a number of years. I am sure we will do ourselves proud at the final.”

The athletes have also enjoyed success on an individual level with a record 13 athletes being selected for the recent Mason Trophy, a very high quality schools inter counties event held at Birmingham's Alexander Stadium.

KSAC has also been represented at the prestigious English Schools track and field championships and the English Schools multi event championships.

Heard of England team manager Bob Reeder added: “I am very proud of our youngsters and also grateful to our parents and supporters who have transported them around the country.

“This season we have clocked up a lot of miles including a long trip to Corby in the East Midlands where on the day we managed to beat the host club.”

As London hosts the World Athletics Championships in August, KSAC hope to get a surge in interest from local athletes. Anyone interested in trying out athletics should visit Stourport Sports Club, off the Kingsway, on Tuesday or Thursday evenings from 6pm.