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The event, which first arrived in Shepway, thanks to Shepway's very own athlete, former Olympic hurdler and sports development officer, Wilbert Greaves, was back this year and proved to be very successful and well attended.

One hundred and eighty nine young people aged between five and 19 took part in the day's events, showing off their sprinting abilities to Olympic Athlete Linford Christie who organised and started the event himself. "Over the last three years I have really enjoyed coming to Shepway for the Street Athletics." He said

Competitors came from all across the county to compete, with athletes from Dover, Ramsgate and Canterbury all performing well. Local boy Albert Paton, from Hythe, performed highly in his under 17 heat and earned himself a place in the National finals, due to be held in Manchester in September.

Lidl, which hosted the event in their car park, also gave every competitor a goody bag and T-shirt as a memento of the day.

All the competitors will also get the chance to convert their street athletic skills into real athletics with a community coaching day this Saturday (18 July) at the Julie Rose Stadium, Ashford between 1-4pm. The event, which is a follow up to the Street Athletics, will be headed by Katherine Merry, Bronze medallist in the women's 400m at the 2000 Olympic Games in Sydney.

Cllr Carole Waters, Cabinet Member for Sport and Culture, attended the Hawkinge event said: "it was wonderful to see so many young people enjoying taking part in an event as excellent as this and we are very grateful that Linford has brought the Street Athletics back to Shepway. I wish all Albert the best of luck in the finals.

"I would like to thank the families for supporting the event and hope that as many as possible can take up the offer of the follow-up day at the Julie Rose Stadium."