LANCASHIRE Walking Club promote the North of England 20km race walking championships for men and the 10km for women in Simister on Saturday.

Prestwich has again been awarded this prestigious event for the second time in three years, being chosen by the AAA in front of York, Sheffield, Bradford and Liverpool.

After the success of two years ago when the event was last staged in the area, after many years in the athletic wilderness, Bury has now emerged as a favourite venue for championships and will be considered for future national races.

This year's race at Simister will present a great chance for the Lancashire Walking Club to take some of the honours. Local girl Michelle Chadwick, walking in her first ever race, could share in the awards. Michelle, 25, has been coached by her partner, another Prestwich man, Stuart Marsden, himself a former 20-mile North of England champion.

Also in the ladies race will be veteran Andrea Lennon from Prestwich.

It is accepted that the winner of the men's race will be either Martin Fisher of York or Dave Turner. Both have won the Manchester-Blackpool 50-mile race three times, but with the best and keenest judges in the country in attendance, just one breach of race walking rules could change the end result.

Several British current internationals will be walking as guests in preparation for the World championships and next year's Commonwealth Games, so weather permitting, a first class afternoon is expected.

Bury has finally made it in the eyes of the walking world, so let's go for it!