BURNDEN'S men and women put in strong performances as the curtain came down on the Red Rose Cross Country League season at Rossendale.

Both the men's and ladies' teams finished well-placed amongst some of the counties best off-road teams.

Leading the ladies home on the day was Sarah Watton in 27mins 16secs, followed by Liz Mclellan (27:46), Anne Ferguson (29:10 and first L60), Gwen Kinloch (29:39) and Lyndsay Darbyshire (31:21).

The final series placings for Burnden saw the ladies team sixth overall, while Mclellan was second L50 and Kinloch finished as second L55.

In the men's race, captain Paul Duke (40:36) clearly enjoyed the conditions and he was well ahead of Ed Ashton (43:25), Keith Thomas (43:40 and second V60), Dave Smith (50:56) and Andrew Warburton (54:08).

The final men's placings saw the team ninth overall and Keith Thomas was second V60.

Meanwhile, seven members took advantage of the favourable conditions and finished the year strongly at the popular and picturesque Wesham 10k.

Mark Jackson (41:09) led them home, followed by Paul Drew (47:00).

Other results: Sarah Woodiwiss (59:26), Debra Hennessey (1:03:13), Sharon Drew (1:03:14), Shirley Robinson (1:06:43), Trevor Eagle (1:18:01).

Aidy Ashburn continued his fine end-of-season form by running a half marathon personal-best time of 1:42:34 at the iconic venue of Oulton Park race track in Cheshire.

He completed the five-lap race knocking more than two minutes off his previous best.