BOLTON 1500m runner Tom Lancashire remains on course for his medal bid at next month’s European Indoor Championships after setting a new personal best time on Saturday.

The Bolton Harrier clocked an impressive 3mins 38.52secs in finishing sixth in a strong international field in Birmingham, the fastest he has ever run in indoor competition.

Looking back in the kind of form which made him British number one and a regular on the Diamond League circuit before being hit by injuries six years ago, the 31-year-old Bolton Harrier has made a hugely encouraging start to the year under new coach Steve Cram.

After running 3:39.96 in his first run of the season a fortnight ago to get the qualifying time for the European Championships in Belgrade at the start of next month, he finished second in the national trials a week later to seal his qualification.

He continued his momentum on Saturday at the star-studded Birmingham Indoor Grand Prix on Saturday by stripping almost a second and a half off his time from a fortnight earlier despite not being well during the week leading up to the race.

“Obviously I’m happy to run a PB and to have moved on from my first race a couple of weeks ago,” said the Bromley Cross man.

“I didn’t feel great as I’d been a little unwell in the week so it’s a good sign that I can run that sort of time when not at my best.

“I feel in shape to run 3:37 so I’m a bit frustrated to miss that opportunity but a PB is always good.”

The European Indoor Championships take place from March 3-5.