ALEX Willis is the early leader in Pendle Forest Orienteering Club's autumn series despite finishing in fifth place at Thompson Park.

The Cloughfold pupil completed the 2.2km 'hand rail orienteering' course in 29.41 minutes to take his five race series total to 167 after winning the opening event at Marl Pits.

Alex holds a 24 point lead over Matthew Dugdale of Christ the King who was the first junior home at Thompson Park in a time of 19.57.

Matthew's sister Rachel is the early leader in the white course despite not winning an event yet with 117 pts while fellow Christ the King pupils Matthew Room and Ronan Whalley are second after winning the second event in 9.50mins.

The event is ideal of beginners and follows paths, tracks and fencing through a number of control points.

In the junior score course -- where competitors have to complete the course in under 30 minutes -- Bacup Royal Grammar School's James Woods is out in front with fine score of 180. Fellow pupils Mike Masser and Ben Smith are in second and third place with 140 and 130 pts respectively.

Keith Masser of Pendle Forest Orienteering leads the senior score course with 150 pts.

The next meeting will be at Marsden Park on Saturday, October 20. For details contact co-ordinator Tom Gray on 0161 766 5666.

RESULTS -- Yellow Course (2.2 km): 1. Jack Leach Pendle Forest Orienteerting M40 17.47, 2 Matthew Dugdale Christ the King P6 19.57, 3 Edward Wilson M9 23.40, 4 David Wallis Clayton-le-Moors M8 23.41, 5 Alex Willis Cloughfold P6 29.41, 6 Simon Walker Christ the King P6 36.26, 7 Hayley Targett plus 2 Pendle Forest Orienteerting W3 37.40, 8 George Bottomley Pendle Forest Orienteerting 40.55, 9 Andrew Walker Pendle Forest Orienteerting 40.56, 10 Christopher Walker Pendle Forest Orienteerting 44.04

White (1.1 km): 1Matthew Room, Ronan Whalley Christ the King 9.50, 2 Daniell Moffitt, Philip Park + Oliver Hughes Christ the King 12.40, 3 Helen Wallis Clayton Le Moors 13.40, 4 Rosie, Sophie, Liam, Emma Clayton le Moors 18.36, 5 Lydia, Rachel, Megaen and Melissa Christ the King 29.16.

Score -- 30 minutes: 1 James Woods, Bacup Royal Grammar School BY9 27.33, 2 Edward Marston Bacup Royal Grammar School BY9 29.32.