AN East Lancashire MEP is celebrating success after defending his over-50 ultra distance running championship.

Liberal Democrat Chris Davies, 59, managed to fit in eight off-road races during the year over distances of up to 61 miles.

He has been declared the men’s over-50s champion for the second year in succession.

Mr Davies was also fourth in the over-40 classification and beat more than 200 competitors of all ages.Mr Davies said: “It’s hard to snatch the time to keep fit.”