The Stainland teacher, running in Calder Valley colours on this occasion, clocked 19 minutes and one second in this historic 3.5 mile event, which is the second oldest fell race in the country and involes 700 feet of climbing.

The quality of the field was shown by the fact that the winner was current British fell running champion Rob Hope in 17.40, followed by four times champion Ian Holmes.

There was a healthy contingent of Stainland Lions runners and they were led home by Toby Underwood, who finished in 22.31 on his first run back after injury, followed by John Bassinder who earned fourth place in the M50 category in 24.34.

Policeman Graham Dyson recovered from his Trafford race the previous day, a night working the beat and just a couple of hours sleep to finish strongly in 25.28, just ahead of teammate Trevor Murgatroyd in 26.16.

Richard Fawthrop, continuing his new found love of the fells, came home in 38.58.

The Lions were also in action the previous day in the Good Friday Salford 10k, joining more than 500 runners battling against strong head winds for much of the two lap course.

Adam Breaks donned his Stainland vest for a rare appearance on the roads, finishing a creditable eighth among top class opposition in 33 minutes, 18 seconds.

Graham Dyson continued his preparations for next month's London Marathon, finishing strongly in 42.34, just seven seconds outside his personal best.