TOM Lancashire secured his place in the English Schools with another commanding championship victory last weekend.

The 16 year-old Bolton Harrier will be joined at the event by four of his club-mates. After winning the county club title with ease, Lancashire added a Greater Manchester Schools gold to his growing collection.

Joining him in the county senior boys' team will be Nick Kay and Chris Busaileh, who were sixth and seventh in the race at Stockport's Woodbank Park.

Champion steeplechaser Ian Bowles may also have a chance of a run in the national event. His 11th place was only good enough for a reserve spot, with the muddy course not to his liking.

Tim Ellis has no such doubts about his place after he secured an excellent bronze medal in the intermediate boys' event.

In the girls' events there was a superb bronze medal for the ever-improving Rachel Pounds in the minor girls event.

In the junior girls race Katie Smith achieved her target for the season by reaching the English Schools for the first time in sixth.

Meanwhile a squad of Harriers distance runners had travelled to windy Yorkshire for the high-profile Dewsbury 10K.

Liz Proctor was the club's highest finisher in 10th, but was disappointed with her time of 37:52. Other finishers for the club were Andy Parker in 12th place (31:50), Andy Stephenson in 115th (36:50) and Phil Reid, who managed a fine 36:56 despite approaching his 50th birthday.