DOWNHILL mountain bike rider Darren Howarth had rarely had his feet off the pedals all summer, but his reward has been two North-West titles and the runners-up award in the British Championships at his sport.

Darren, of Yeats Close, Kendal, stepped up to the Masters category when he turned 30 last September and he carried off the North-West Regional Championship, winning all five races in the series over an area ranging from from Pateley Bridge to Middlesbrough.

He won also crowned Northern Regional Champion in a one-off race at Middlesbrough, where he just missed out on a £200 bonus when he set the second fastest time on the day, including the Elite field.

Downhill competitors tackle some of the most technical courses set, plunging in daredevil fashion over steep declines of up to 500 feet and negotitating rocks, timber and other testing terrain.

"It's been a great year, said Darren, who was fifth among the Elite category riders in the area competitions last year.

"I'd an inclination that I would do well stepping up to the Masters but not to the extent that I've enjoyed," said Darren, who only lost the British Masters title by three points in a final-race showdown last month.

Darren praised the support of Staveley-based firm MMP Cycles, who have given him the use of a top-notch bike and equipment, and also the Kona development team, who have guided his success.