CLAYTON Harriers A team were celebrating after finishing sixth out of 87 teams from all over the North West in the Pennine Brideway relay on Sunday.

The annual event, which starts and finishes at Fearns High School in Rawtenstall, had a bumper entry this year and fine weather meant it was a pleasant run for most of the competitors who did also have to avoid patches of ice.

Horwich won the five-leg event closely followed by Salford Harriers but Clayton’s A team ran superbly to finish in sixth spot.

The Clayton Veterans team wasn’t far behind - just eight minutes - coming in in ninth place overall while the Clayton B 10-man team finished 15th of the teams.

Accrington Road Runners mixed team - who had an outstanding run on the 12.5-mile leg two by Sarah Ridehalgh and Graham Morris - were the second mixed team home behind Chorley Harriers and they were 20th overall in the event.

Clayton Ladies A team completed the course in second place - and 38th overall - just six minutes behind the ladies winners Calder Valley.

More than 900 runners took part in the 47-mile epic race, run in pairs over five legs, which was the brainchild of Rossendale Harriers stalwart Graham Wright. He said: "After a good deal of time planning the event I was pleased when the snow finally disappeared as the race was in doubt during the big freeze.

"Although the icy conditions meant that there were a few injuries on the day, including a broken leg for a member of the Darwen team, I’m grateful to the Rossendale and Pendle Fell Rescue team who dealt with the casualties."