MAUREEN Laney brought the winter season to a successful conclusion by winning The British Masters' Cross-Country Championship at Bangor in Northern Ireland.

Maureen won the over 50 title while the former Todmorden Harrier Sue Becconsall won the over 45 class for the Bingley club.

Meanwhile, Mark Aspinall took the bronze medal in the over 45s to make it a rewarding trip for the eight-strong Clayton-le-Moors Harriers' Team.

Laney completed the 5,000 metres in 20:05 to win her class by a clear minute from City of Bath athlete Zina Marchant. It is her third major over 50 title within a year as she is also the World Masters' Hill Running Champion and the English Fell Champion. Becconsall finished a few seconds behind Laney in 20:14 to clinch the over 45 prize with 20 seconds to spare. Anna Kelly from Clayton was tenth in the over 40 age group in 21:04.

Mark Aspinall is one of the most consistent performers and once again he didn't disappoint on his favourite surface with third over 45, clocking 34:05 for 10,000 metres.

Having reached the fringe of the England Masters' Cross-Country Team last year, he has enhanced his prospect of future recognition.

Phil Hall, a British Masters' Champion on the track, was 13th over 40 with endurance specialist Garry Wilkinson 16th.

John Roche and England Fell International Colin Shuttleworth were 19th and 26th in their races.