TOP local athletes Daniel Eckersley and Pete Young proudly flew the flag for the Isle of Wight in the England Athletics Masters 10km Championships, held this year in the North West.

Both athletes qualified from earlier 10k races in the season, along with other athletes in their age group.

Ryde Harriers athlete Young, in the first year of his V75-79 age group, stormed to a very comfortable victory in a fast 44mins 44secs, to finish more than four minutes ahead of his nearest rival on the picturesque Chester course.

Also on the podium, in an excellent third was Cowes runner Eckersley, who was at the front end of the large field, competing in the youngest Masters age category of 35-39 years.

International, Jonny Mellor from Liverpool, came out on top, but Eckersley recorded a fast 31.56. 

The Islander's attention will now turn to racing on the track as he prepares for this summer’s Island Games in Guernsey in July.