I WATCHED Leigh's long distance runner Peter Riley run the race of his life in the televised European Cross Country championships in Edinburgh.

Despite runners being called back for a false start in the 10,000m plus race Peter, 24, running in his first senior GB vest, surprised the pundits by leading the six-strong team home in 16th position.

The British squad were underdogs and Peter, of Mill Lane, was obviously expected to be outshone by bright young hopes of the track the Chrises -- Thompson and Davies.

But he showed them a clean pair of heels and finished 15 places ahead of his nearest team mate.

Despite his top class performances Peter, who recently returned to his home town with a degree in business after completing a four year scholarship at a New York University, is struggling to find sponsorship to help him realise his Olympic dream.

Surely a business in the area could help him on his way and put both a promising international athlete and themselves on the map?

It was good to see Culcheth's 1966 World Cup star Roger Hunt appear with the golden team of the past 50 years on the BBC Sports Personality of the Year Awards.

Imagine being a famous face after over 30 years out of the limelight -- and being able to sit among so many great stars of the past, present and future and be recognised. It must be a mind blowing experience.