A TEAM from St Anselm's College in Birkenhead have been crowned national cross-country champions after winning the English Schools cup final.

The Under-15s dominated the Intermediate race in Bedford, with Arran Kearney finishing eighth, captain Tom Spence 16th, Jacob Brophy 21st and Martin Hurst 28th in the individual race.

There was also a good run from Max Clark.

Their collective efforts ensured that St. Anselm's regained this prestigious trophy which they last won in 2009.

It means the school is now the most successful one in the competition's 50-year history.

Its junior team also reached the national final, finishing ninth and exceeding expectations.

Headmaster Simon Duggan said: "This has been another excellent season.

"We knew that our Intermediate Team was an outstanding one from their results in qualifying.

"There has been a tremendous team spirit and the boys have responded well to the encouragement and advice of their dedicated coaches, all of whom are College staff.

"They are wonderful ambassadors for the college and worthy inheritors of our proud tradition in distance running."