FIVE Chepstow Harriers' women and four men helped East Wales to victory in the Welsh Inter-regional cross country championships at Builth Wells on Saturday 13th December.

Out of the four regions, East Wales won four out of six senior races. They took gold in all three women's races and the 40-49 men's race.

The men ran approximately 10km and the women ran about five and a half km. The course was very challenging with lots of heavy mud, hills and single track through forest to battle with.

It was a stunningly beautiful day for the event, but bitterly cold.

The Chepstow Harriers' women who helped take gold were Niki Morgan, Lisa Jeffrey, Jan Morris, Berna Cantwell and Sophie Gilbert. Ladies team captain Sophie Gilbert said "I was delighted that East Wales walked away with gold medals in the senior women's race, and the 35-44 and 45+ masters' race.

"It was so pleasing to have a strong turnout of Chepstow Harriers' women to help lead the teams to victory".

Paul Lidgett, Jonathan Carter, Laurie Carter and Syd Wheeler were part of the masters' team of over 40's which also took gold for East Wales.

Dick Finch, secretary of Chepstow Harriers and East Wales team captain and squad selector said "This was the best East Wales performance ever at this event, which has been running for many years.

"I am proud of all the individual and team performances from East Wales, especially given the challenging underfoot conditions."