A TOTAL of 65 Dyfed Schools athletes competed in the McCains Cross Country Challenge in Cardiff.

Nikita Neary of Carmarthen Harriers and Dyffryn Taf School won the junior boys' race and Josh Griffiths, of Carmarthen Harriers and Amman Valley School, who was in the Welsh Under-20 team, won silver medal in the senior boys' school race.

Seven schools districts competed and the Dyfed Schools junior girls' team won silver medals and another two Dyfed teams finished in third place.

This month, Brianne, Llanelli, Ceredigion and Pembrokeshire hold their area schools championships, leading on to the Dyfed Championships in Dinefwr Park on Tuesday, February 7, and the Welsh Schools Cross Country Championships in Brecon on February 25.

Two former Carmarthen Harriers competed for Wales in the senior international race.

Caryl Jones had an outstanding run to finish second in her race ahead of seasoned English internationals.

Dewi Griffiths, returning from injury, finished tenth in his race.