WELSHMAN Matthew Roberts produced one of the best races of his career to win the Tour of Pendle.

The Eryri Harriers member was 12 seconds faster than former English and British champion Ian Holmes when crossing the line in two hours, 17 minutes and 22 seconds.

Calder Valley’s Tim Ellis was a further 38 seconds behind Holmes in third as the top three served up a fantastic finish in perfect fell running conditions.

Roberts’ winning time was the fastest since Lloyd Taggart’s 2007 record of two hours and 11 minutes.

Carnethy’s Jasmin Paris was a clear winner in the ladies race in two hours and 41 minutes – which was the third fastest time recorded by a woman in the race.

The annual event, which was celebrating its 30th anniversary, kick-started a weekend to remember for organisers Clayton-le-Moors Harriers as later that night they hosted the Fell Running Association dinner at the Mytton Fold Hotel, Langho.

Thirty-six Clayton runners set off on a lovely clear, chilly morning, with Spencer Riley, Paul Thompson and Dave Motley making excellent starts. Thompson had to pull out but Spencer finished a fantastic seventh in two hours, 23 minutes and 42 seconds – only six months after breaking his ankle.

The club’s fell running captain Motley was the second Clayton member home in a 15-minute personal best.

Katy Thompson was the first LV60 and Jean Brown the third LV45.

Those results helped Clayton’s ladies team to second place overall.

The race saw more than 500 runners take to the start line.