A YOUNGSTER from Hexham was among the participants at a triathlon event for children with disabilities.

The Children's Disability Triathlon took place at the David Lloyd Club in Gosforth on Sunday.

The competition is the brainchild of Ponteland's Jo Shallcross, a former Great Britain triathlete.

Jo launched the annual triathlon five years ago, after witnessing a similar event in Hawaii.

Emily Carney (11) of Hexham, was one of 35 participants this year, and Jo said it was a tremendous success.

She added: "It's really special seeing the children come back year after year.

"The children push themselves to the max. It's great to see how much taking part means to them."

Newcastle swimmer and European gold medal winner, Nick Pyle, and former Newcastle United goalkeeper, Steve Harper, were on hand to present medals at the end of the triathlon.

Watch a video of Emily Carney on her hand cycle. Read the full story in next week's Courant.