GEORGE Woodburn was made a life member of Blackburn Harriers when the club held it's Annual Presentation Night at St Mark's Conservative Club.

George has been one of the most active competitors ever since he joined back in 1967, and he has maintained a high standard all his career.

As a junior in the 60's he was a member of the Harriers Team that won the silver medal in the Northern Counties Cross Country Championships, and he also won individual honours taking the bronze in the County Championships at 1500m.

After graduating to the seniors he twice helped the club to bronze medals in the Lancashire Road Relay Championships, and in the last few years he has continued to be equally impressive in the veteran ranks.

He has won two Northern Counties silver medals in veterans' competitions, the first in the over 40 age classification for 10K, and more recently in the over 45s for 10M.

Best known for his prowess on the roads he has set PB's of 50mins for 10M and 2:26 for the marathon. He has also served the club as a committee member and team manager.

Two of this year's prize winners have won places in the North West World Class Potential Squad. Matt Wood and Ben Fish both specialise in the middle distances and will train once a month with Preston Harrier John Nuttall.

Both have made great strides this season with Ben rising to third in the under 20's National Rankings after running 14:38 for 5000m, and Matt winning the AAA's 800m at under 15 level.

All the prize winners accepted their awards from the Mayor of Blackburn John Williams who has been a member of Blackburn Harriers since 1946. Councillor Williams is a champion athlete himself having won the British over 60's high jump title two years ago.

2001 Award Winners

Young Athlete of the Year (Sports Council Trophy): Matthew Wood, Rachel Holt Most Promising Athlete: Zac Jones (Forbes Trophy), Carly Thompson (Axiam Trophy) Best Track Performance: Ben Fish, Anna Brooks Contribution to Track and Field: Michael Floyd, Carrie Hamilton Best Field Performance: Michael Hazelwood, Caris Lake All Round Track and Field Performance: Andrew Lake, Candy Hamilton Best Cross Country Performance: Daniel McLean, Sarah Willimott Contribution to Cross Country: Mark Emmett, Rachel Clements Lions Award: John Paul Clements, Sarah Gavagan Road Running: Pauline Powell Fell Running: Scott Monk Veteran: Evan Cook Merit Award: Richard Robb Officials Award: Michael Clements Coaching Award: Anneka Porter, Gary Cunliffe