COMPETITORS at the Auld Lang Syne Fell Race on New Year's Eve had to brave four inches of snow and a frozen course.

Organiser Dave Woodhead made light of the conditions. "It was easier under foot than usual" he claimed "as the runners didn't break through the ice into the mud underneath."

Supporters of the event are famously hardy and 280 turned up to race.

Three years ago there was three feet of snow, and most of the roads around Haworth were closed.

The race was officially cancelled but still 70 people somehow made it to the start.

A 'ghost race' was held over the full six mile course. First back was Ian Holmes of Bingley and he won again this time to keep his perfect record -- winner in all seven official races and eight times in all.

The competition was hard with internationals taking the first three places, so fifth place for Andy Wrench of Todmorden and eighth for Clayton Harrier Garry Wilkinson -- were strong performances.

Rossendale Harriers Steve Clawson and Gary Sumner and Clayton men Mark Horrocks and Matt Woods all secured top thirty finishes.

Darwen Dashers and West Pennine Runners were also represented by Gary Taylor 53rd and Neil Holding 55th. Kieran Carr of Clayton and Ken Taylor of Rossendale were 2nd and 3rd M50's while Jane Smith of Todmorden was 2nd L40.

Boff' Whalley of Burnley band Chumbawamba finished 18th and afterwards threw a large party at a warehouse in Leeds to celebrate his 40th birthday on New Year's Day.