MARK Brown is on top of the world after a sensational debut in the first ever World Championships for disabled athletes.

The 36-year-old Clayton Harrier stormed to a silver medal after holding off a 150-strong field in the 4.4km cross country event at Vilamoura in Portugal.

And Mark, who lives in Burnley, now hopes his result in the new championships will help raise awareness about disabled sport in Britain.

"It was great to see so many people taking part and watching because the Portuguese put a lot of time and effort into organising the championships with them being the first," said Mark.

"I just hope it helps to highlight to people that this sport does exist and that being disabled doesn't have to inhibit you from being a good athlete."

Over 20 countries from around the globe took part in the event which featured amputees, blind runners, sufferers of cerebral palsy and competitors with learning difficulties.

Mark, who only has one arm, stormed into an early lead before current marathon and 5km World Record holder Javier Conde took up the pace after 1500m. The Spaniard cruised home in a time of 13mins 28secs but Brown held on to second spot with an impressive 14mins 5secs in front of a crowd of 600.

Mark's silver medal helped the British team claim fourth place overall after they collected three further silvers and a bronze.

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