Seven Lostock AC members took on the Blackburn Winter Warmer and put in tremendous performances.

The friendly, well-organised 10K event put on by Blackburn Road Runners was in its 30th year and was thoroughly enjoyed by the Lostockers who took part.

Starting at 11am on a chilly, but sunny, morning at Witton Park, the competitors started off with a flat lap of the running track before peeling off and making their way steadily along the increasingly steep uphill section through the park, before climbing the notorious Buncer Lane.

The first two miles accounted for 400 feet of the 500 feet of elevation of the course and all were glad to get that out of the way.

The views of Darwen Tower and the surrounding east Lancashire countryside were truly spectacular as they made their way down the country lanes for two fast miles, making the most of the downhill section before a short steep climb at mile four.

Then, it was back on the flat and into Witton Park again before a lap-and-a-half sprint finish of the running track.

Johanna McManus finished in 47mins 48secs and third WV40, just behind Gareth Pratt 47:21.

Andy Laycock was next to cross the line in 49:03.

Rachel Hancock (4/50 F45) powered home for Team Green in a hugely-competitive and high-quality field, finishing in 50:36 and fourth WV40.

Next to finish were Mike Berry (53:05) and Rachel Stevens (57:45).

Ste Hancock, in his first race in six months, crossed the line in 1:04:21.