YOUNGSTERS from Bexley put on their running shoes and got off to a great start at the London Youth Games last week.

Forty-two Bexley runners aged from 11 to 17 took part during the cross-country event in Hampstead Heath in a race with 1,114 competitors from across London's boroughs.

The individual silver medal for the girls' under-13 race was won by Bexley's Holly Page, a student at Chislehurst and Sidcup Grammar School.

And, just as impressively, the under-17 boys team finished winners in their age group.

The council has thanked Bexley Athletic Club for their support of the event and Parkwood Leisure for sponsorship.

Bexley Council's cabinet member for leisure Councillor Don Massey said: "I commend the enthusiasm and the support so freely given by parents, volunteers, local sports clubs, schools and organisers to make this happen."