LITTLE Joshua Collinge may have brought up the rear of the field in the Accrington Ron Hill fun run.

But the two-year-old from Burnley got a vote of confidence from wheelchair endurance athlete Anthony Gott as he scampered over the line after completing the course with his parents Katharine and Ian.

His mum said: "We were just trying to get him away from the television and get him some fresh air and exercise. It was really great of Anthony to keep us company on the way back."

And Anthony, from Haslingden, who is in training to become the first person to take a manual wheelchair from Lands End to John O'Groats, said: "He was loving it. But every time there was a downhill bit on a side street he wanted to go there!"

Nearly 100 young athletes tackled the mile-long stretch in chilly conditions, organised by promoters Cannonball Events as a precursor to the main 10km county championships event.

Ten-year Dexta (corr) Thompson, the reigning county champion in his age group and a Clayton Harrier who attends Holy Trinity RC Primary in Burnley, soon blazed a trial up Blackburn Road and back to win the race.

He was followed closely by 12-year-old Sophie Stanworth, of Trawden AC, who attends Park High School in Colne. Everyone lining up received a medal for their efforts.

Race commentator Andy O'Sullivan said: "Take my word for it, your future stars will emerge from events like this."

Hyndburn MP Graham Jones said: "It's really great to see youngsters from Hyndburn and across East Lancashire, keeping fit and taking part in events like this."