SHIRLEY Wood is handing over the reins of the successful Wharfedale Primary Schools Cross country league after ten glorious years.

The head of Ilkley Junior Harriers launched the competition in 2007 and it has since gone from strength to strength.

Five schools initially stepped forward, Ghyll Royd, Westville House, Ben Rhydding, Ashlands, and All Saints.

That number has now grown to 12 with runners from Year 3 to Year 6 competing.

Each school hosts a cross country race between September and March of every year.

Over 20,000 children have taken part since the league was launched.

Looking at those 2007 results there have been four individuals who came through Ilkley Junior Harriers and have gone on to represent England.

Two at mountain running, one in orienteering and the other is the fourth ranked U23 decathlete in the country.

Shirley said: "It has been amazing to have all these children from our local community, running and having fun in the Wharfe valley.

"A huge amount of effort and volunteering from local parents and teachers help this league run brilliantly. I am so pleased it will continue for all the primary school children in future generations. "The reason I have stepped down is to focus my efforts on the next ten years to develop track and field for the Wharfe valley by developing the facilities at Ben Rhydding sports fields."

A presentation to Shirley was made by Andrew Souter Ashlands Headmaster on behalf of the 12 primary schools in Wharfedale at the league's finale at Nell Bank.

The league organisation was handed over to Felicity Rundell, Debbie Nichols and Rachel Websdale who will continue the amazing work started by Shirley.