STAR veteran Derek Howarth has collected his 20th national athletics title -- at the age of 73.

Derek, Leigh Harriers' club treasurer, struck double gold in the British Veterans' Indoor Championships at Cardiff.

The club's newest lifetime achievement award winner was in outstanding form lifting the over 70s' 1500m and 3000m titles.

Derek snatched victory in a close finish in the 1500m clocking 5min 50sec and ran a tactical 3000m, pulling away from the field with two laps to go, to record 12min 49sec.

Derek who joined the harriers in 1950 recently set up a "safe" running club for women of all ages who wanted to run for fitness, but feared pounding the streets alone.

Fifteen have already joined the group and anyone interested should meet Derek at the Charles Street track on Mondays at 7pm.