Rossendale Harriers celebrated the season on the last Sunday before Christmas with their Fancy Dress Handicap Race, which has become something of a tradition in recent years.

Around 30 runners turned out at Rawtenstall with Sam Tosh and Emma Flanagan winning the junior race once around at the club's Marl Pits headquarters.

The seniors completed two laps, around three miles in all, with over 60 veteran Gerard Navan first to cross the line. Equally well contested was the fancy dress contest with Lauren Reed's Noddy voted the best of the juniors and Diane Corbishley as a gypsy taking the plaudits for the seniors.

After all the juniors had been awarded prizes, it was on the serious business of the day, the Christmas buffet.

Chorley Harriers staged a similarly frivolous handicap on the same day while their slightly more serious revelry was at the Ley Inn where around 100 members attended the Annual Christmas Dinner.

The Presentation of the Annual Awards at the dinner was the culmination of a year's hard racing for the prize winners who had to score in 12 races to win either the Fell Grand Prix or Road Grand Prix titles. The fells are becoming increasingly popular with the membership so victories for Malc Christie and Janet Chaplin were hard won.

The road series was spiced up with an additional requirement to complete at least one event off road. Gareth Booth and Bernice Greenhalgh took the honours.

The Performance of the Year Trophies, chosen by the Club Captains, went to Keith Johnston and Sarah Scarrott while the Most Improved Runner was Michael Murray who has shed two stones in the course of his efforts. Former Chairman Peter Gillham was the recipient of the Committee Cup for his services to the Harriers, while Anna Maria Crabtree won the Golden Asics Award.

Both of our featured clubs would welcome interest from potential new members, and both clubs cater for all ages and all disciplines, namely track and field, road, fell and cross country. Chorley Harriers main training night is Thursday. The seniors meet at 7.30pm at Chorley Cricket Club, Southport Road where there are changing and shower facilities and a bar. Juniors train from 6pm to 7pm at Parklands School which is also on Southport Road. In addition there is a speed night on Tuesday for seniors and experienced juniors. All ages can contact Martin Harrington on 01257-412759 or refer to the website www.chorleyharriers.co.uk.

Rossendale Harriers meet at 7pm on Tuesdays and Thursdays at the Marl Pits Leisure Centre on Newchurch Road in Rawtenstall. Juniors, who can join from the age of nine, train only on Thursday and mostly concentrate on track work. All age groups can contact Nigel Gotts on 01706-219678 while an alternative for juniors is Anthony Gotts on 01706-222607.

The Harriers website gives more information on www.rossendaleharriers.co.uk.