Top cross country Keith Gerrard made his debut in senior athletics at Saturday's Inter Counties Cross Country Championships.

The event, which is effectively the British Championships, was held in good
conditions at Nottingham’s Wollerton Park and was covered live on Sky Sports.

Lancashire champion Keith decided to go with the pace and for the first half of the race was rubbing shoulders with some of Britain’s top seniors. Gerrard eventually crossed the line in 20th place and was happy to have gained experience while racing alongside the top athletes. However, he did admit that a more cautious approach at the start of the race might have earned him a higher position.

His fine run helped Lancashire to Silver medal in the team event.

A superb run by Sarah Astin gave her 8th position in the under13 girls race and also earned her a Bronze medal while representing Lancashire in the team event. In the same race Emily Ashe ran well to secure 83rd place out of 292 competitors.

In the under15 girls Gemma Astin finished in an exellent 41st place in a field of 304 athletes and was also a Bronze medal winner with the Lancashire team.

Competing in the Junior Men’s race was Andrew Newton who ran well to finish in 140th place.