The future of the sport seems assured judging by the number of young athletes turning out to take part in local races.

That was clearly demonstrated on Bank Holiday Monday when 121 youngsters ranging in age from seven to 17 took part in the various races organised at Wray.

Local youngsters who did well were Helm Hill's Tom Doyle and Niall Till who finished second and fourth in the under-12s event which was won by East Cheshire's Ryan Gould. Gemma Crowther finished second girl behind Warrington's Heather Timmings in the under-14s race while Ryan Thornborrow was fourth finisher in the boys' under 18s which was won by Wirrall's Adam Peers.

Settle's Sharon Moorhead won the girls' under 10s race with the boys' event being won by Lancaster's Ryan Croasdale whose father Mark won the 6.75 mile senior event ahead of Clayton's Mark Brown who was first veteran 40.

Ambleside's Roger Bell was the first V50 runner home in 58th position and best placed South Lakeland runner was Dallam's Stephen Lashley who was 47th from a field of 138. The winner of the ladies' race was Warrington's Karrie Hawitt who completed the course in 49-20.

Results: 1 M Croasdale, Bingley, 43-40; 2 M Brown, Clayton, 44-42; 3 M Chippendale, Bowland, 44-59; 4 S Bolland, Bowland, 45-40; 5 I Greenwood, Clayton, 45-48; 6 C Reade, Bowland, 46-06; 7 R Mellon, Bowland, 46-12; 8 G Bird, Aire Valley, 46-20; 9 J Horton, Bowland, 46-29; 10 T Hesketh, Horwich, 46-40; 47 S Lashley, Dallam, 53-37; 52 J Tunstall, Howgill, 54-06; 58 R Bell, Ambleside, 55-08; 73 D Parminter, Black Combe, 57-43; 77 D Till, Helm Hill, 58-15; 81 J Hodgson, Dallam, 59-07; 86 M Davey, Dallam, 60-17; 88 D Hurtley, Dallam, 60-35.

The results of Saturday's Coniston Fell Race were not available when the Gazette went to press.