AGE has never been a barrier for runner Tom West.

Tom, of Farcroft Avenue, Radcliffe, who is 62 on Saturday, has just taken a well-earned second place in the Over-60 category in the South East Lancs Cross-Country League.

His trophy was awarded on the best three performances of four events and he received it at a presentation at weekend.

Even ill health over the past 18 months has not put Tom off his running. The chairman of Radcliffe Athletic Club since its formation in 1984, he is now planning to take to the hills.

Formerly a keen road runner who has completed many marathons, he has been running for 25 years. This season he decided to run cross-country events and then try his luck in the English championship fell races. His first event will be at Pendle next month.

Eighteen months ago Tom had to stop running through ill health and was even forced to retire from his job. When he was finally a

llowed to exercise he ran for as little as five minutes at first and slowly increased the time until he was back on the road again.

" It was hard work building up again and now I train every other day. I have run fell races in the past and I have enjoyed them so I thought I would give the championships a go!"