Two novice runners have been named the fastest in Hyndburn after taking part in a major 10km road race.

The fastest man from Hyndburn in the Great Manchester Run was Kieran Robinson, 25, who finished the course in 43 minutes and 29 seconds.

Lauren Beck, also 25, was the first woman from the borough across the line, clocking 47:56 to win the women’s ‘race within a race’. er time was so good she also beat all but five male of the borough’s male runners.

Lauren, of Fielding Lane, Oswaldwistle, completed the 10k – her first attempt at a race – in temperatures of up to 25C.

The adult support worker started running in a bid to raise money for Royal Blackburn Hospital’s critical care unit, after her friend Karen Fitzharris died suddenly of pneumonia last month, aged 44.

She said: “This is the first race I’ve ever done. My aim was 50 minutes and I thought I was well over that until I checked.

“I’m really surprised with that result. I will definitely carry on running now.

“I’ve applied for the Manchester Marathon next year and I’ll be doing some other races.

“I’ve only been running for five months but it looks like I’m a natural.

“It was a really great atmosphere. I got a bit tired around the 4km mark but as soon as I finished I felt like I hadn’t really run at all. Then I went and had a few cocktails with some friends.”

The 10k race was also a first for Kieran, of Hermitage Street, Rishton, who signed up to raise money for Crohn’s and Colitis UK in memory of his grandad, Eric, who died last year.

The engineer said: “I’m really chuffed with that and surprised.

“This is the first competitive race I’ve ever done. I’ve played football since I was a lad but I’ve only been running for a couple of years.

“I didn’t think I’d done as well as that. I’m thinking about doing the London Marathon next year. If I do I’ll do it for the same charity.

“It was a great atmosphere and there were thousands of people supporting us.”

Hyndburn had a total of 152 entrants in the field, with thousands of spectators lining the 10k route on a warm sunny day in front of the BBC TV cameras.

Both Lauren and Kieran will receive a free guaranteed entry for the 2015 event and an engraved plaque.

Organisers Nova International are already making plans for the 2015 race on a date to be confirmed.

To register for a reminder service go to www.greatrun.org/Manchester.