IAN HOLMES sept to victory in the Yorkshire Champ-ionship fell race at Haworth on Saturday.

The 34-year-old British Champion was on home ground to retain the title he won in 1994 and 2000 in the Withins Skyline race. It was his fourth win in the event which runs from Penistone Hill to Top Withins and back, previously taking the tape in 1992, 1996 and 1999.

Last year he fell at Top Withins, but this year he took special care.

"I tiptoed past where I fell even though I have trained their numerous times," he said.

Heavy conditions made the going tough, but only Phil Sheard stayed with him to Oxenhope Stoop as he clocked a time of 41mins 20secs, exactly a minute ahead of Sheard from the Pudsey & Bramley club. Rob Hope (42:46) was third and Robert Jebb fourth in 43:16.

The women's title was taken by Mary Wilkinson, 20, a member of Skipton Athletics Club. She clocked a time of 50:11 and is currently studying PE and Sports Science at Loughborough University.

The talented sportswoman has also represented Yrokshire at netball, hockey, sporthall athletics, javelin and cross country. She has also played with Bradford City's ladies football team.

Tracy Ambler of Ilkley was second in the Yorkshire Ladies champion in, with Pauline Munro (Bingley) taking the bronze medal.

Bingley Harriers won the Yorkshire Championship team award with Ian Holmes, Robert Jebb and eighth place Robin Lawrence taking the team to victory.

The race team results were: Bingley (13pts), Pudsey & Bramley (16pts), Clyton-le-Moors (48pts).

Bingley Harriers also won the Ladies team award with Pauline Munro, Helen Johnson and Jill Wahlley. 2 Ilkley 39pts, 3 Keighley & Craven) Helen Glover, Debbie Spurr and Christine Preston.

Helen Glover was also first Under-18 girl.

After finishing fifth in the Withins event Helen Johnson went on to win the Stanhill Race at Oswaldtwistle near Blackburn, Lancashire, in a record time of 38mins 47secs.

The win also gave her aggregate victory in the series which included the Great Hambledon race.