BASILDON Athletics Club chairman Steve Reynolds was full of praise for his club’s members after enjoying success at regional and national level.

Some of Basildon’s leading athletes played a key role while representing their county as Essex were crowned national champions at the English Schools Track & Field Championships.

Meanwhile, members also pushed Basildon closer to promotion after claiming another overall win in the Senior Athletic League.

And Reynolds was delighted to see the up-and-coming athletes excel.

The club chairman said: “It was another great day for Basildon and Essex.

“Outstanding performances from our young athletes helped Essex to victory and, as a result, we made our mark on the national stage.

“The Senior Athletic League team also made it three wins in a row and, once again, showed the depth and variety of ability we have at Basildon.

“We have such a large pool of talent and the hard work of our coaches, with the support of parents and helpers, can only bode well for the future of our club at both local and national level.”

The English Schools Track & Field Championships, held at Birmingham’s Alexander Stadium, is the pinnacle of school level athletics and boasted a number of Great Britain stars of the future in competition.

Sam Bennett, who was recently crowned European champion, became the English Schools 110m hurdle champion.

And Joseph Harding notched a second Basildon gold in the hurdles as he came first in the intermediate boys 100m hurdles.

The junior boys claimed victory after Graig Anya-Joseph secured top spot in the 100m.

Oliver Lill put in an outstanding performance to win silver in the intermediate boys 1500m final, while Harriette Mortlock continued to demonstrate her fine ability by achieving bronze in the javelin with a throw of 41.78m.

Jess Walker finished in fifth place in the intermediate boys javelin and Holly Lawrence came seventh in the 80m hurdle final.

Meanwhile, Basildon were able to pick up a third consecutive Senior Athletic League win at Braintree.

Father and daughter Peter and Zoe Rixson competed in the discus.

Zoe threw a personal best of 21.45m to claim second place, while Peter filled a gap in the teamsheet and added a valuable four points for the club.

Harrison Chapman, Steve Strange, Jamie Rushbrook, Luke Meridew, Jack Shankland, Cameron Ellis, James Everard, Isabelle Douglas-Ward, India Parry, Kirstie Overfield, Charlotte Bishop, Hollie Rex, Abby Rex, Grace Burrell, Sophie Wetheridge, Emma Houchell, Kirsty Fitzgibbon, Courtney Bailey, Vicky Oshumremi and Zara Leaver all sealed top spot in their respective events.

Aaron York threw a new personal best of 28.43m in the discus, while Lottie Hinson finished after one minute and 2.9 seconds on her 400m debut.

The Basildon ladies completed a total victory in the middle and long distance events.

Basildon’s men and women won the 4x100m and 4x400m relays.

The final victories ensured another overall win for Basildon and has put them in contention for promotion.