PUPILS from primary schools across Peeblesshire are about to begin warming up for next week's historic annual County Sports.

Hundreds of youngsters will flock to Whitestone Park on Wednesday in search of glory - and maybe an ice-cream.

The sports come under starter's orders at 6pm with sprint races for Primary 1 children all the way up to Primary 7 taking place.

There will also be the popular relay races for small and large schools.

And the highly competitive 300 metres for Primary 7s will yet again be among the highlights.

Lesley Ireland, secretary of the Peeblesshire Schools Athletic Association, told us: "Winners will be presented with trophies and medals throughout the evening by Mrs Liz Crow, a retired local primary teacher who has previously taught at St Ronan’s and, latterly, Priorsford Primary schools

"The PSAA is more than happy to have the support of parents and hope that many will turn out to cheer on the athletes and enjoy the sports programme.

"Anyone willing to help organise this event may contact their child’s school with their name.

"Due to safety concerns, all P1 to P3 children must be brought to the ‘pocket’ by a parent.

"After their race is finished, the children will be returned to the finisher’s ‘pocket’.

"Could all parents please ensure they collect their child from there, as this will save any children wandering off into the crowd."

The County Sports have been running for over a century.

And hopes are high that the recent high levels of support and entries will see them continue to be a success for decades to come.

Admission will be £1 per adult and 50p for secondary school pupils.

Refreshments will be on sale, including ice creams and juice courtesy of A & A Caldwell of Innerleithen as well as Risotto 2 Go, throughout the evening.

Mrs Ireland added: "If we have to cancel the Sports on May 24, due to poor weather or ground conditions, we have set aside the following Wednesday, May 31 as a back up."