BRIAN SPAIN, a relative newcomer to the sport, won Lakeland Orienteering Club Championships held in crisp, sunny weather at Guard's Wood, Coniston on Sunday.

Runners are given handicapped times and then run their normal standard of course with the first competitor to cross the line declared club champion.

Prizes were also awarded to the fastest man and woman on each course with the youngsters walking away with all the prizes.

The winners were Ross Thistlethwaite and Vicky Ramsden on yellow, Robert Procter and Louise

Ramsden on green and Stewart Fishwick and Vicky Brocklebank on blue.

The Iain Blakie Memorial Trophy was presented to Tom Winsor as the most improved junior in 2000.

The race, organised as if tradition by last year's winner, Hazel Taylor, and husband Pete, was attended by over 100 club members followed by a meal the Coniston Institute by Wilf's Cafe.

The Cumbria Galoppen 2001 series starts on 4th February at Gelt Woods near Brampton.

For information about this and other events in the area contact the Lakeland OC membership secretary on 015394-42777.