AN athletics club is celebrating after being selected to host one of the region’s biggest cross country events.

Sedgefield Harriers will host the North East Cross Country Championships at East Park on the outskirts of Sedgefield, County Durham, next December

The North Eastern Counties Athletic Association (NECAA) made the announcement at this year’s event, held at Town Moor in Newcastle Upon Tyne at the weekend.

One thousand junior and senior runners took part in the race, which is a key fixture on the sporting calendar.

Archie Jenkins, cross country secretary of the North Eastern Counties Athletics Association, said: “Where possible, the NECAA cross country committee tries to alternate championship venues between the north and south of the region and with many new clubs joining in the past few years, we encourage them to consider hosting this most prestigious winter event.

“Approaching its tenth birthday, Sedgefield Harriers certainly ticks both boxes. Since its foundation, the club has been proactive in all athletic disciplines, in the development of a thriving junior section and in supporting and organising events.”

Ean Parsons, chairman of Sedgefield Harriers, added: “We are delighted that the NECAA has given us the opportunity to host the North East Cross Country Championships and we look forward to staging an excellent event.”

Full details of the 2015 North East Cross Country Championships will be released next year. For more information about NECAA events visit www.necaa.info