THE fourth and final race of the South East Lancashire Cross Country League at Astley Park saw top-three finishes for Heather Soden and Gill Caldwell in the overall standings.

Soden was the first Lostock woman home in 35mins 32secs to finish fourth in her age group on the day and second overall in the four races.

Caldwell was second on the day in her age group category in 41:06, which also propelled her to second place in the final standings.

Christine Smith finished strongly in third in her final race in a time of 41:33, followed by Kate Rotheram (44:44) and Kath Jackson (50:01) over what was a steep and muddy course.

In the men's race James Jackson again continued his early-season form to post a time of 41:54 to finish 22nd in the final men's standings, a feat that was all the more impressive given he only completed three of the four races.

Mark Shuttleworth finished in 46:56, Pete Noble achieved a sixth-placed age-group finish with his time of 51:10, Mark Checkley posted 52:44 and Andy Laycock 52:52.

Laycock's time meant he finished 14th overall in his age group's final standings, again having completed only three of the four races.

Mark O'Brien and young daughter Fern posted times of 29:55 and 29:49, respectively, at the undulating Cuerden Valley parkrun.

Lostock host their 36th annual Lostock 6 road race on Sunday. Entry is still available on the day.