KAREN SLATER was crowned Yorkshire Vets Cross Country champion lst week -- and was called up for the county team.

Karen, a member of Keighley & Craven AC was 9th lady overall in the championship race.

Sarah Dugdale, of hellifield, who trains at Keighley Boxing Club won the Under-20 girls title.

n Bingley virtually swept the board at Sunday's Yorkshire Vets Cross Country at Graves Park, Sheffield, with titles going to Peter Probin (0ver-50), Les Haynes (0ver-55), Fred Gibbs (0ver-60) and Gerry Spink (0ver-65).

Keighley and Craven had one of the day's biggest club turnouts with 21 runners, but could not field either of their leading ladies. Karen Slater opted to go for an inter-counties vest at Rotherham the day before rather than defend her ladies title. While Jo Prowse, third last year at Hull, is still recovering from her fall in November's Rivock race.

Top finishers for the Keighley club were Pete Carr and Tony Knowles, 12th and 14th respectively in a highly competitive 0ver-50s race. Jonnie Butler also claimed 12th spot in the 0ver-40s. New recruit Steve Hornby was two places behind.

n K&C AC's annual meeting is to be held on January 21 at the Pop and Pasty club, 8pm. There'll be the usual Thursday night run from the leisure centre beforehand at 6.30pm.

n Race director John Fish is stepping down from the Wuthering Hike due to pressure of work. The Ace Elevators boss helped keep the 33 mile endurance event alive after its name-change from the Haworth Hobble. Most of those involved behind the scenes are to continue with help from Keighley and Craven AC members.

This year's hike - open to both runners and walkers - is scheduled for Saturday, March 20. For details and entry forms ring Judith Benjamin on 01756 795344.

Converted for the new archive on 30 June 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.