Ned Oliver from Pyworthy became Under-13 Devon County Cross Country Champion on Sunday, when he was first boy home for Devon in a tough 3000m race over the muddy, undulating cross country course at Exeter Arena. Two days earlier, he had finished second in the North Devon Schools cross country trials, held at West Buckland school, this time racing against boys a year older, in the under 14 age group.

Ned, who is 12 years old, and attends Holsworthy Community College, has been running with Bideford Athletics Club for two years, and is also the current Under-13 Devon Champion over 1200m on the track, which he won back in the early summer.

His next cross country challenge will be at Bicton Arena in early January, when he will represent Devon in the southwest Intercounties Championships.