Northwood hosted the Hercules Festival of Sport on Sunday, which saw hundreds of competitors and spectators pack into the grounds of Merchant Taylors' School.

The event, which was mainly made up of 12 races, was a big success and many athletes raised money for charity while competing.

Alan Scott and Katherine Derome were winners of the half-iron man triathlon while Jim Last and Cordula Schirmeister took the crowns in the gruelling 100km cycle.

South West Herts MP David Gauke, who attended the event, said: "It was great to see so many people enjoying the events. I am delighted that it proved to be a great success."

Other races included open-water swims, 10km and 5km runs and children's fun-runs.

Gifty Enright, Hercules Events director, said: "The Festival of Sport exceeded all expectations. Residents came out in large numbers to watch elite and amateur athletes and to cheer on family and friends who were taking part.

"We were particularly delighted that so many children from local schools took part in the Family Fun Run. We were inspired to stage this event because of thirst for sport that there is in Northwood and Watford.

"We are already planning an even bigger and better Festival of Sport for next May."

Other race winners included triathletes Nico Rinkens and Caroline Coles (Olympic distance), Harry Boyle and Sarah Grover (sprint distance) and Ed Gemmel and Tracey Daniell (novice distance).

In the sprint aquathlon, William Barraclough and Kerry Large were successful, while Jugurtha Kezzim and Helen French won the standard-distance equivalent.

Darren Ford and Jennifer Gunning took the sprint duathlon titles and Craig Morris and Denise Hill secured the novice crowns.

In the runs, Charlie Smith and Lucy Ashe (10km) were victorious while James Johnson and Leah Cabbin (5km) also came out on top.

The open-water 3km swims were won by Mark Pattison and Claire McIntosh and in the 5km alternative, Adam Jones and Helen Mussen were successful.