KENDAL'S Joe Symonds found the unseasonably warm conditions at Sedbergh very much to his liking on Saturday as he cantered to victory in the 4.75 mile Arant Haw race in a new record time, writes Mike Addison.

The Helm Hill promoted event attracted a near 130 field with some quality athletes at the front end, but it was Symonds who stamped his authority on the race over his home turf.

He beat Dark Peak's Lloyd Taggart by a minute and 36 seconds with third-placed Darren Kay, of Horwich, almost three minutes behind.

Helm Hill's Alastair Dunn - who won the event last year - was fourth while Ambleside's Jon Deegan, who had been celebrating his 40th birthday the night before, was first veteran in fifth position. Second veteran was Kendal's Paul Dugdale in seventh position.

The first lady was Eryri's Jackie Lee with Dallam's Hazel Jones second.

The junior races were keenly contested over short but steep courses centred on the lower slopes of Winder.

Helm Hill's James Knox is going to take some stopping in the U12 category this year and he dominated the opening race of the day winning from Dallam's Dale Sutton and Ben Till who finished within a second of each other. Helm Hill's Megan Stuart won the U12 girls' race from team mates Loren Appleyard and Loren Munro-Bennett.

Helm Hill's Tom Doyle turned in a powerful front running performance to win the U14 race with ease, his nearest challenger - Rory Addison - finishing 20 seconds behind and just one second ahead of Dallam's Sam Till. Dallam's Melanie Hyder was first U14 girl with her team mates Robin Goodfellow and Jane Gill battling for second position and coming in virtually together.

Dallam's Alex Till used his descending speed to great effect to triumph in the U17 boys' race overhauling Rossendale's Grant Cunliffe in the later stages of the race. Lancaster's Hannah Bateson comfortably won the U17 girls' race with Dallam's Kathy Gill second. For results see p23.