THE Shepherd's Skyline Fell Race was renamed the Harry Clayton Memorial Fell Race as a tribute to the Todmorden Harrier Vice President and founder member who died recently.

A minutes silence was observed before the race, and the following day a few of his closest friends returned for a training run, and part way round scattered his ashes on Stoodley Pike.

Club member Gerry Williams said: "Harry got a lot out of running - no doubt it enriched his life.

"However, he was also one who put a greater amount back - and for that, all those connected with Todmorden Harriers will be forever grateful."

Alec Becconsall's photo shows Harry doffing his cap as he crossed the line at this year's Leyland 10 mile road race.

It was to be his penultimate competitive race.

The club is currently assembling a collection of photos of Harry taken over more than 20 years.

They will be displayed on the website www.todharriers.co.uk.

ATHLETICS: Through the Villages

ACCRINGTON Road Runners and Chorley Harriers were the winning teams in Sunday's Through the Villages Road Race.

The hilly route covering eight miles and 781 yards through Wheelton, Brinscall, Abbey Village and Withnell attracted its usual two hundred plus field, among them Leigh Hargreaves, Debbie Gowans and Joanne Bramley from Accrington.

The trio took the ladies team prize by a comfortable 15 points after all three finished in the first dozen. Leigh and Debbie were also the first two in the over 35's.

The quality of the men's race was such that five time winner Paul Muller from Blackpool could only manage fourth place, but at least that bagged him the veteran title.

Andrew Jones from East Cheshire split the field to win by over a minute, while in fifth place Chorley Harrier Keith Johnson was the leading local in 48:07.

Accrington Road Runner John Wieczorek was 10th in 50:26, and Junior International Nat Lawton from hosts Chorley AC took 25th and third in class in 54:26.

Johnson laid the foundation for Chorley Harriers' team victory shared with Dominic Raby in 23rd and Gareth Booth 27th.

In form Don Ashton collected another M60 win for Darwen Dashers with 39th place in 56:26 while his wife Pat matched him again by winning the F60's.

Another regular winner, Norma Smith of Blackburn RR, added to her tally by winning the F55 class, while there was local success for Janet Pound, from Withnell, who was fifth lady.

In the 18 years since the race started only one athlete has competed every year - Race Director Terry Dickenson who maintained his 100% record with 178th place in 73:26.