LEIGH cross country star Hannah Warburton rewrote the record books when she lifted Leigh Harriers' first national cross country championship medal.

Competing in the U13 age group, Hannah capped a brilliant season to take second place, and a well-deserved silver, at Leeds.

For the 13-years-old Bedford High School pupil the run was the highlight of an outstanding year which has seen her take the Greater Manchester Championship title, the South East cross country title, finish second in the NW Women's League and win a place in the county squad for the English Schools' Championships.

In her first national appearance Hannah was up against 300 of the country's best youngsters over a tough 3k course which included three tough climbs.

With half a mile to go Hannah was in third place but a spirited last 300m saw her race into the runners-up spot clocking 11min 42sec.

The Leigh squad finished 14th overall with Amy Riley 77th, Vicky Green 113th, Abigail Howarth 155th and Kirsty Hogan 259th.

County schools' champion Tom Boardman was also in fine form to take on over 200 runners in the U13 youths' 6k. He finished in 12th position recording 22min 40sec and was followed home by team mate Alex Urmston in 103rd spot

Other results were: U15 girls 4k: Lauren Howarth 66th, Rebecca Howarth 94th, Kellie Thornton 242nd.

U15 boys 4.5k: Tom Henders 126th.

U13 boys 3k: Isaac McCann 124th.

Ladies U17 5k: Amanda Fearnley 126th, Emma Morris 153rd.

Senior women 8k: Sarah Cain 357th.

Senior men 12k: John Howarth 377th from a field of 1394 finishers.