LEE ATHERSMITH of Skipton won the first race of 2002 when he took the tape Silsden's New Year's Day fun run.

He recorded a time of 16mins 53secs in the event which attracted 62 competitors.

The race, which was organised by Paul Buckley, raised £75 which this year went to the Dales Recovery Fund.

"We run the race along lanes past farmland and I thought it would be good to choose a farming charity this year," Paul said.

The race, which was sponsored by Sun-Pat, is also rated one of the best value on the circuit with a t-shirt, jar of peanut butter, jar of honey and a dip in Santa's sack for everyone paying their £2 entry fee.

The youngest competitior was eight-year-old James Rowling.

Results

1 Lee Athersmith (Skipton 16:53; 2 Danien Scholes (Wharfedale) 17:39; 3 Warren Storton (Crossflatts) 17:45.

1st Lady Jacqui Foster (Keighley & Craven) 21:27; 2 Christine Preston (K&C) 22:27; 3 Lynn Whittaker (Wharfedale) 24:23.

Picture shows: Winner Lee Athersmith, junior champion 11-year-old James Mountain and women's race winner, Jacqui Foster.