BLACKBURN Harriers’ rising star Natalya Irvine won the under 12 girls race in the Stoop Fell Race in Yorkshire on Sunday – beating all the under 14 girls in the process.

Irvine, granddaughter of Burnley FC legend Willie Irvine, finished in seventh place overall out of 105 strong field of boys and girls as she continues to build her reputation.

Another East Lancashire winner in Bronte Country at Haworth was Clayton’s Linda Lord. One of fell running’s first real stars won the FV60 race.

Other notable performers from East Lancashire included last year’s winner, the 2012 British under 23 champion, Sam Tosh from Rossendale, who finished the senior race in third place.

Todmorden’s John Lloyd ran well to finish in 10th. The Yuletide race is renowned for a sea of red hats swarming its way up the hill, with 270 senior starters and 159 junior runners.