Hundreds attend Much Wenlock Olympian Games

Hundreds of competitors battled it out in Shropshire over the weekend in a bid to get their hands on an "Olympic" medal.

There was fierce competition between athletes who were taking part in the 124th Wenlock Olympian Games, which also attracted a former world champion runner and the official mascot for the London 2012 Olympic Games. Yesterday saw the largest number of competitors meet for the athletics event.

The event also attracted former 5,000m world champion David Moorcroft.

And making a star appearance at the games, which kicked off on Friday, was the official London 2012 mascot, Wenlock.

Organiser Helen Cromarty said: "It was absolutely the most fantastic day because the weather was glorious and the atmosphere was excellent.

"David Moorcroft ran a brilliant race and Wenlock went down an absolute storm.

Tournament

"The games will finish today with the golf tournament and although it's raining a little, it should cool everything down."

Saturday also saw scores of children from across the county battle it out on the tennis court against their rivals from Staffordshire.

Ann Smith, who has helped to organise the volleyball, cricket and badminton, said she was proud of everyone who took part.

"There was an excellent turnout and the volleyball was fantastic," she said.

"We had 11 teams with over 60 young players and it's all about grass roots playing because we are trying to get more people interested in it. We had a club come from Birmingham and we also have some girls here from Norway."

Supporting the badminton players was Di Halford, president of the Shropshire Badminton Association.

She said: "Everyone has been great and the children have played very well. It was a great turnout."

As thousands of volunteers are set to be recruited and trained for the 2012 London Olympics, helpers were also on hand in Shropshire.

Lauren Cole, 13, was a volunteer for the Wenlock games.

She said: "I was scoring the badminton and it has been really good doing it. I'm looking forward to the actual Olympics."

The games finish this afternoon at Shrewsbury Golf Club.

By Jason Lavan