TOM Lancashire produced a superb run to take fourth place in the National Cross Country Championships at a rainy and windswept course in Bristol.

Lancashire bounced back after the disappointment of finishing in the 20s in the Inter Counties at Nottingham. His race was won by Tom Humphries of Cannock, who has dominated the winter season since being beaten by Lancashire at Liverpool in October.

Lancashire's position was the best by a Bolton athlete for many years in the National and he was backed up by Tim Ellis and Matthew Long, who gained valuable experience in this prestigious race.

Other Bolton athletes to shine were Katie Smith, 34th in the U15 Girls, and Nick Kay and Chris Bussaileh, 75th and 97th respectively, in the Junior Men's U20 race.

The Lostock Six Mile Road Race was run over a new course and the fast-improving Anthony Hatchard, 32mins 15sec in fifth was followed home by twin brother Nick, who finished sixth in 32.25.

Bolton finished second behind Horwich, who had the individual winner in Jason Hodgson, 30.48, with local runner Andy Bowles in second.