TOM Lancashire made his Great Britain debut last weekend on the biggest stage of all in the World Cross Country Championships in the Swiss city of Lausanne.

The talented 17-year-old Bolton Harrier came away pleased with a placing of 76th in a race of staggering quality.

"I went there hoping for a top 60 place but I was third Briton and 16th European, so I'm happy with that," he said.

The front of the race was dominated by African athletes, many of whom are already racing at world class level as seniors.

Lancashire was clearly impressed by his first taste of the action at this level.

"The pace they started at was unbelievable," he added.

Equally surprising were the weather conditions with unusually high temperatures and athletes dropping out with dehydration.

Lancashire admitted to being surprised by his selection, but was clearly picked for his huge potential. As one of the youngest in the field, he will still be eligible next year and for another two years in the European Championships. The reigning English Schools 1500m champion now turns his attention to the track season which looks like bringing further improvements and more championship glory.

WIGAN Phoenix staged the first Standish Hall Trail Race over 6.5 miles.

Two Bolton Harriers competed in the race, Ian Selby and Ken Fowler. Ken marking his 25th year representing Bolton Harriers.

Results -- 1. Paul Cadwalladar (Liverpool Pembroke) 34.35; 5. Ian Selby (BUH) 36.16; 19. Second Vet o/50) Ken Fowler (BUH) 39.51.