TRIATHLETE Roger Barr celebrated at the double in the US where he was the first Brit home in a gruelling Ironman contest - and proposed to his girlfriend on top of the world famous Empire State Building.

The 27-year-old, who overcame asthma as a youngster to compete in one of the toughest events in the world, took part in his first Ironman Triathlon at Lake Placid in the USA, which consists of 2.4mile swim in open water, a 112mile bike ride and a marathon.

The Accrington-born athlete was hoping to complete it in under 11 hours - and was delighted with 10 hours 30 mins.

He said: "I was so pleased - and then I was frustrated as I was just five minutes off qualifying for the World Ironman Championships in Hawaii. I kept wishing I had gone faster but the last 90 minutes were hard - I just wanted to stop!"

But then the former Moorhead High School pupil decided to take another risk and asked American girlfriend Tanya Fogleman, who he met at Aberystwyth University, to marry him.

The senior software developer, who now lives in London, added: "I had thought about doing it during the race but I was too tired! If I had got down on one knee I would have never got up again. But I was glad she accepted.

"I couldn't say which gave me the bigger buzz - competing or proposing!"

Mum Eileen, dad Eric, who live in Queens Road in Accrington, and sister Pamela were all there supporting him during the race.

He said: "It was nice as the whole thing was done in laps, so every time I came round they told me how I was doing. It was a big boost to have them there and they really enjoyed it."

Barr, a former member of Pioneer 79 Swimming Club and North Lancashire Road Cycling Club, added: "The swim was tough as the water was choppy and everyone was going for the shortest line so there was a lot of punching and grabbing feet.

"The bike ride was treacherous as the rain came down and the wind was strong while the marathon was in monsoon conditions.

"Someone said it was some of the toughest conditions the Ironman had ever been competed in."

Barr, who has attracted sponsors thanks to his American exploits, has now qualified for the Great Britain team in the World Long Course Championships to be held in Sweden next year. He is aiming for the World Olympic Distance Triathlon Champion-ships with the trials in Wales in September.

He joked: "That is okay as it is only an 11-mile swim, 25-mile bike ride and a 10k run. It will be easier!"