LEIGH cross-country international Peter Riley's dream of winning his first Great Britain senior vest came true on Saturday.

The 24-years-old champion battled hard to finish second in trials at Liverpool and will now compete in the 10th European Championships in Edinburgh in December 14.

The US business graduate, who earlier this year returned from a four years athletics scholarship at Iona College in New York, faced the best distance runners in the country over a fast 10k four lap course.

Peter, of Mill Lane, Leigh, was among 10 athletes contesting the lead for the first half of the race. The battle was reduced to two men running shoulder to shoulder over the last two laps with neither athlete giving way.

With less than 100m left Peter was defeated in the sprint for the line but capped an outstanding season to win the vest he targeted on his return to Leigh.

Peter is determined to make his name at the top in athletics, and is seeking backers to take him into the big time. Anyone willing to help can contact him, at rileypj@hotmail.com or on 01942 514058.

The race was incorporated in the Reebok Challenge, a series of races at held at six venues all over the country.

In the youths' 5k Tom Boardman, who has completed three Challenge events, finished 19th in 18min 23sec.

Abigail Howarth ran her best race of the season in the U11 2k to finish a good sixth in 8min 21sec. Sally Boardman did well to follow in 13th in 9min 24sec.

Hannah Warburton bounced back to form in the U13 girls' 3km. In a top class field she crossed the line 14th in 10min 43sec and was followed home by Victoria Green finishing well in 32nd in her first big race for the harriers clocking 11min 24sec.

The U15s' event saw Lauren Howarth also finish 32nd in 10min 43sec with sister Rebecca close behind in 37th in 10min 51sec.

Amanda Fearnley did well in the U17s' agegroup recording 18min 27sec for the 4km run.

Leigh Harriers host the third primary schools' cross country race at Marshall Street College on Saturday starting at 10.30am.