The Third Annual Ottery Primary School Hill Climb returned over two days having been postponed last autumn.

It was held over Thursday, April 29, and Friday, April 30, to enable the school to follow Covid-19 procedures and saw 55 smiling children, aged four to eleven years old, tackle the dreaded hill on their bicycles.

Sidmouth Herald: All set for the hill climbAll set for the hill climb (Image: David Goldthorpe)

Smiling through adversity, they peddled 'their hearts out' and, with the occasional push from their parents, everyone made it to the top.

Race organiser David Goldthorpe said the school's motto of ‘Push Yourself and Have a Go’ shone through.

Sidmouth Herald: The school PTA donated water bottles as prizesThe school PTA donated water bottles as prizes (Image: Ottery Primary School/David Goldthorpe)

This year’s best hat was a close call but ended as a tie between Adalyn and Evie. The most professional was Sam. The winning time was by Will in 19.42seconds and top girl was Annabelle with a time of 25.45seconds.

Sidmouth Herald: Saddleback of Bristol donated caps as prizes for the hill climbSaddleback of Bristol donated caps as prizes for the hill climb (Image: David Goldthorpe)

David thanked the parents and teachers who helped the event run smoothly and Miss P for her continued help and support.

Sidmouth Herald: Powering up the mighty hillPowering up the mighty hill (Image: Ottery Primary School/David Goldthorpe)

Thanks also went to the school PTA and Richard Mardle and George Gori from Saddleback in Bristol for their unconditional support of the event. Thanks to their generosity
every child who took part in the climb received a prize.

Sidmouth Herald: The dreaded hill runs from the school field up to the playgroundThe dreaded hill runs from the school field up to the playground (Image: Ottery Primary School/David Goldthorpe)

David added: "But most of all, thank you to the wonderful children who made this event so special. Well done everyone. See you next year."

Sidmouth Herald: Saddleback of Bristol donated caps as prizes for the hill climbSaddleback of Bristol donated caps as prizes for the hill climb (Image: David Goldthorpe)