NATALYA Irvine underlined her reputation as one of the best young runners around after being crowned a double cross country champion.

The St John’s Cliviger pupil was crowned Burnley Primary Schools girls champion in a record-breaking turn out at Towneley Park.

Natalya, who also runs for Clayton Harriers, was one of 193 runners who took part in the event – but in the end it was a race between two girls.

And in a repeat of last year’s final, Natalya held off the challenge of Megan Robinson of Padiham Green to successfully defend her title.

The pair were then part of the top 25 runners who took part in an elite race which included schools from across Pendle.

And yet again it was Natalya who took the honours with Megan again having to settle for second place. Zara Preedy of Christ the King was in the bronze medal position.

There was also a record turnout in the boys Burnley Primary School event - and it was Henri Wilkes of St John’s Civiger who was the first of the 250 runners home.

Oliver Credland of Casterton was second and Harry Pilkington of Wellfield was third.

All three took part in the elite race which included Wheatley Lane from Fence, Laneshaw Bridge and Kelbrook Primary from neighbouring Pendle.

And it was Kai Atkins of Laneshaw Bridge who took the honours for Pendle with Henri Wilkes second and Oliver Credland third.

Results - Burnley Primary Schools Girls - small schools: 1 Cliviger, 2 St Augustines, 3 St Leonards.

Large schools: 1 Christ the King, 2 Wellfield, 3 Brunshaw.

Boys - small schools: 1Worsthorne, 2 St Augustines, 3 St Stephens.

Big Schools: 1 Rosewood, 2 Wellfield, 3 St John’s RC.