THE workforce at Clitheroe's Castle Cement is getting leaner -- but it's nothing to do with job losses.

A four-man team from the Ribblesdale works, comprising Richard Sagar, Lionel Nash, Bernard Chapman and Andrew Loi, took up the challenge of representing the company in a 10k international road race in Maastricht, Holland.

The race was held to celebrate the 75th anniversary of ENIC, one of Castle Cement's European sister companies, with Lionel achieving the team's best time of 46 minutes. And it was such a success that another run is being planned for next year, with demand for places on the Castle Cement team so high that there is talk of holding a time trial to whittle numbers down to the best four.

Richard, who organised and competed in the Ribblesdale team, said: "There were 12 people who wanted to go this year and even more fancy taking part next year, so it might be best to hold a qualifying race.

"I think we could see a lot of people pounding the local streets during the winter in an effort to be fit for next year's team."

The venue for the 2002 race has yet to be decided, but wherever it is, Richard promises the Ribblesdale flag will be flying high.