FORMER world heavyweight boxing champion Frank Bruno was the special guest at this year's Morton's Mile final in Brentwood.
Mr Bruno watched on as Daniel Webber from Long Ridings school won for the boys and Ndidikama Okoh from St Helen's for the girls.
The event, set to become an annual feature, took place at Hutton Manor School on July 1 and was organised by personal fitness trainer Keith Morton, who was Mr Bruno's trainer when he became world champion in 1995.
The final was the culmination of this year's Morton's Mile competition in which Brentwood junior school children aged between 9 and 11 from Hutton Manor, Woodlands, Long Ridings, St Helens, Hogarth and Willowbrook schools race against the clock and each other.
The top three boys and top three girls from each school came together to race off against each other to find the winner.
Mr Morton said: "This year's event was a great success – a great venue that was superbly hosted by Hutton Manor School – and as normal Frank Bruno was excellent with the children, and made sure that every child who wanted an autograph and photograph got one.
"I would like to thank all those involved in the event, and most of all the children – both the participants at all the schools and the finalists – great effort. Here's to next year – it will be bigger and better."
Owner of Hutton Manor and Woodlands School Brandon Lewis said: "We at Woodlands are very conscious of how important exercise and sport, and that is why we have individual members of staff qualified in their own subjects, some who have been professionals themselves in football, rugby, swimming netball, rounders, cricket.
"When Keith came up with the idea of the Morton's Mile it was perfect for us – we have children representing the county and some record-holders who just could not wait to enter.
