AN INTERNATIONAL athletics champion is on his marks to set up a safe running club for women.

Veteran Leigh Harrier Derek Howarth is seeking girls of any age who would like to get together rather than run the streets alone.

Derek, who joined the Charles Street club when he left the RAF in 1950, said the club had been approached by a few women who would like to run for fun and fitness rather than to compete.

He said: "I decided we should try setting up a jogging club for young, middle-aged and even older ladies who would enjoy exercising with companions.

"Many older women do not want to pound the streets alone, especially on dark nights."

Derek will be at the track at 7pm on Mondays, starting on January 19.