ATHLETES of all ages and abilities took on the annual Castle Howard Triathlon to the cheers of a packed crowd.

More than 2,200 competitors swam, cycled and ran their way across the finish line on Saturday and Sunday set in the stunning grounds of the stately home.

Saturday saw over 500 children compete in the triathlon as well and amongst them was eight-year-old Bailey Matthews, from Doncaster.

Bailey, who has cerebral palsy, was cheered over the line by hundreds of emotional spectators after completing a 100m open water swim, 4,000m bike and 1,300m run.

The brave youngster even stepped away from his walking support to finish the last 20metres of the race unaided to the delight of his parents Jonathan and Julie Matthews.

Yvonne Turner, from the Castle Triathlon series said that the event had been a huge success.

She said: “The weekend was a spectacular success full of proud and exhilarating moments and brilliant tri performances.

“Saturday saw many first timers compete in their first tri along with hundreds of sprint triathletes. On Saturday afternoon the 500 junior triathletes were incredible, some as young as seven-years-old.”

Sunday morning saw the athletes tackling the Olympic and gauntlet distances and ex-Olympian Sam Warrier from New Zealand won the female gauntlet race.

Malton lady Ruth Davies, 42, raced in the sprint category in the female vets aged 40-45 and won.