SPACE racing was the theme of an annual sports event which saw hundreds of schoolchildren compete for trophies.

About 600 five to seven-year-olds from across the borough tested their athleticism on the track and field at Colchester Garrison.

The two-day competition is part of the syllabus for sports students at Colchester Institute whose assignment it was to plan and manage the event.

Twenty schools took part in the space-themed event where the rocket launch replaced the javelin throw and shot putters threw meteors instead of balls.

Conor Adams, 18, was one of about 40 organisers who spent nearly half the academic year coordinating it.

He said: “The primary schools look forward to it as its been going on for the past few years so we want to maintain the standard and make sure they come back.

“It went really well. We asked the kids to complete a survey afterwards and the comments were very positive.

“I’m hoping to do a water sports course soon and doing this has given me transferable skills so I can assist with the organising side of things and not just coaching.

“We’d like to thank Colchester Garrison for letting us use their facilities and all the Level 1 sports students who volunteered on the day, plus our sponsors RAD Sports in Colchester.”