SPECIALLY created tree trophies have been delivered to the two runners aged over 70 years old that completed the Devauden 10k on Bank Holiday Monday 4th May.

Race organiser John Brooks said: "We had trophies for the male and female winners over 60 in the 10k but had not anticipated over 70s taking part as there were none last year.

"However when Syd Wheeler and Daphne Austerberry completed the tough course we thought it only fair to create two special trophies just for them."

For the record Syd finished 207th in 1 hour 15 minutes and 17 seconds and Daphne came in close behind in 212th with 1:22.54.

This year's races were such a success that the 100 t-shirts that had been reserved for runners who finished under an hour were not enough.

In 2014, 71 runners achieved the time but this year the number increased to 155 runners.

A similar situation arose with the children's cross country races where numbers had significantly increased from the previous year.

In total, two extra trophies, 55 t-shirts and 30 medals had to be ordered by organisers, and these either have been or are being delivered to those that missed out on the day.

The t-shirts and medals show a rustic design which was created especially for the races by local artist Pat Kenneally from Itton.

It depicts, in a Celtic style, the branches and roots of the trees which line the cross country routes around Chepstow Park Woods, an area of outstanding natural beauty.

The distinctive wooden trophies have been produced by the design and technology department at Chepstow School, from wood donated by ex-Chepstow pupil and MD of Monmouth Timber Supplies, Chris Worthy.

This year neither the male nor female course records were broken, so they remain at 36 minutes and five seconds for men and 39.54 in the female category.

The prize money donated by Spectrum Internet for the fastest time was therefore unclaimed and went into the charity pot.

The £2,000 raised in total will be shared equally by SARA (Severn Area Rescue Association) – which provides emergency and first aid cover throughout the events – and Devauden's Hood Memorial Hall.

Next year's race will be held on Monday May 2nd when extra T shirts and medals will be ordered.