LLOYD KELLETT defied icy conditions to take sixth place in the Ilkley Moor Fell Race for the Keighley & Craven Athletic Club.

The race takes in a tough circuit of Ilkley Moor and snow made parts of the course trecherous. Top runners were two to three minutes slower than last year when winner Simon Bailey had set a new race record.

He returned and defended his title and was just 1min 40 secs down on his record time in 37:51, and was 3 minutes clear of nearest rival.

Ted Mason of Wharefdale Harriers was second an Dale Goodwin of Aire Valley third. Bingley Runner Robin Lawrence was fourth in 41:42.

Kellett was the first K&C finishers in a time of 42:23 with Will Smith eighth in 43:07.

Andy Nicholl and Robin Bradbury were 18th and 19th for Bingley with Paul Crabtree (K&C) and Mike Scott (Bingley) 27th and 28th.

Emma Barclay of the home club, Ilkley, was first lady in 47:40 in 35th place followed by Lawrence Hellawell (K&C) and Andrew Wood of Bingley. Rob Grillo, who is now unattached was 38th in 48:11.