THREE members of a Bolton triathlon club teamed up to win the biggest half Ironman event in the world.

Janet Higgins, Phil Coombs and Michael Hallas triumphed in the mixed relay competition in Majorca.

The Tri-Rivington trio's challenge was started by Higgins in the challenging 1.2-mile sea swim.

Once out of the water she handed the timing chip to Coombs in the bike transition area where he began a 56-mile cycle ride which included a tough 10k hill climb.

He then handed over the chip to Hallas who completed a half marathon in scorching temperatures in first place by a large margin.

Higgins said: "Being part of this wonderful club and the Tri-Rivi Trio with Mike and Phil has given me the Ironman experience I thought I’d never have. Anything is possible.”

The event was also completed by fellow Tri-Rivington members Michael Higgins, Kamlesh Patel, David Smith, Andy Gardner, Andrew Brooks, Paul Jeffrey-Read, Fran Walker, Ian Facer, Scott Lowe, David Gillon, Warren Wasp and Janine Knight, with many securing personal-best times.

The club's head coach and founder Ray McGloin said: “Without exception all those who represented our club in Majorca showed a remarkable club spirit which was admired by fellow competitors and spectators throughout the day.

"Also, it looks as if we will have to return to defend our title in Majorca in May 2019.”

Since being based at David Lloyd Bolton, Tri-Rivington has gone from strength to strength with a record number of members once again taking part in this year’s Ironman UK in Bolton on Sunday, July 15.