Schools scorch to fine finishes

More than 120 youngsters were attracted to the meeting, no doubt encouraged by the spring weather which followed the recent snow.

As an innovation designed to introduce younger athletes to the sport, there will be an under 10 race at each fixture this summer open to ages eight and over.

Although no there is no Championship for the youngest runners, anyone who completes four of the six races will win a commemorative T-shirt.

They can even take part in a competition to design their prize. Michael Hickey of Hyndburn, Lucy Alderman of Pendle and Blackburn Harrier Sally Searson took part in this historic first fixture.

In the older age groups there are Championship points at stake for the first 19 finishers and the under 12s were immediately on the board with Pendle's Oliver Kennedy third, Joseph Johnson and Luke Gregory from Rossendale fourth and sixth respectively. Megan Searson of Blackburn Harriers was third girl.

The under 14s continued the trend of high placings with Rossendale duo Joseph Kelly and Sam Tosh seventh and eighth for the boys and Rachel Searson and Katie Ireland seventh and ninth for the girls. Rachel runs for Blackburn Harriers and Katie for Rossendale.

The results are still provisional, but the best result of the day for East Lancashire was undoubtedly the second place from Pendle's Anna Anderson in the under 16s.

Rossendale Harrier Carl Andrew, Jack Thompson of Pendle and Dale's Sarah Yeomans all finished among the first dozen in this age class.

Seniors were allowed to run as guests in the under 18 race which covered 4.5 miles with 1400 feet of ascent and our first three finishers were all adults - Mark Nutter of Clayton, Anthony Gotts of Rossendale and Anna Anderson's father John. Hayley Corbishley from Rossendale was fifth under 18 girl to pick up useful Championship points.

The series visits the Wrekin next on April 10 where the Intermediate Championship for under 20s will start.