Keith Gerrard returned to competition after his summer break with a fine run at the South of England Six Stage Road Relay Championships.

The popular event, which was held at on Saturday over a six kilometre course at Rushmoor Arena, Aldershot, attracted 74 full teams in the senior men’s race with over 470 athletes taking part on the day.

Gerrard, who was representing Newham and Essex Beagles, ran the second leg for his team and was able to advance their position in the race from eighth to first place.

However over the remaining four legs the below full-strength Beagles were overtaken by home club Aldershot AC and eventual winners Belgrave Harriers leaving them with the team bronze medal.

The Manx Sports Aid recipient was pleased with his first outing of the autumn and his time of 18.01 was the fastest time for leg two and the sixth quickest individual time of the day.

The Beagles, along with the other top finishers, will now go forward to compete against clubs from the north and midlands at the National Road Relay Championships, which will be held at Sutton Park, Birmingham, on 18th October.