AFTER winning the event for the past four years they had high hopes of repeating their annual triumph.

The young runners had spent weeks training for a schools’ cross-country contest and were confident of adding another to their long list of victories.

But someone, apparently, decided it was time that one of their rivals landed the prestigious Perry Dalziell Trophy at Hordle Walhampton School, near Lymington.

Orchard Junior School in Dibden Purlieu was forced to miss the race after staff received a hoax message saying it had been cancelled.

The headteacher of the school, Bob Carson, said: “A male caller spoke to a member of my admin staff and said the event had been cancelled.

“After the children went back to their classes one of the parents rang up and asked where we were – but by that time it was too late to get them there.

“It was hugely disappointing for the pupils, who had been looking forward to the event for weeks.”

About 350 children from 14 schools took part in the race this year.

It was won by Durlston Court School at Barton-on-Sea.