PUPILS from schools across Denbighshire put on their competitive heads for a gruelling triathlon.

Children and teachers from the Rhyl Learning Community (RLC) took part in the annual triathlon, held at Marine Lake.

The event, organised by Ysgol Llywelyn teacher Emma Parry, involved pupils from Rhyl High School, Blessed Edward Jones Catholic High School, Ysgol Llywelyn, Ysgol Emmanuel, Ysgol Christ Church, Ysgol Mair, Ysgol Dewi Sant, Bryn Hedydd and Ysgol y Castell.

Pupils took part in an elite event and relay triathlon; the elite - swim, bike and run individually - was won by Bryn Hedydd while the relay triathlon was won by pupils from Ysgol y Castell.

Mrs Parry said: “The triathlon has grown rapidly over the last five years into a much enjoyed and highly competitive event.

“The children get the opportunity to take part in a sport that is not readily accessible to them, in front of a big crowd of people.

“The triathlon also brings together more than just our schools and we couldn’t hold the event without the support of Denbighshire County Council, Rhyl Sea Cadets and the RNLI.”

Over its five year history, the event has raised more than £35,000 for a variety of charities.

On the day, other children, from other schools in the area, came to the lake to show their support.

Teachers also took to the water in a friendly but competitive staff race. This was won by Ysgol Llywelyn with Ysgol Christ Church following in second.

Back at their own schools, pupils took part in their own swim, bike and run in order to raise money for this year’s chosen charities - the Rhyl Lifeboat Appeal, Cancer Research UK and Schools in Nepal.

Participants received their medals from Win Mullen-James, mayor of Rhyl.

Vicki Cotgreave, headteacher at Ysgol y Castell, said: "It is always a fantastic event to be part of and something that our pupils really enjoy competing in.

"We were extremely proud of all the pupils who represented Ysgol y Castell and to win the actual triathlon relay was the icing on the cake."

Elite winners Bryn Hedydd tweeted: “Great performance from the staff and pupil teams at the RLC schools triathlon. A first and two thirds. Many thanks to the team and all who came to support.”