ILKLEY runner Jo Prowse has reached her goal - winning an England vest. The mother of four from St James' Road has been picked for England's fell running team for the home international clash in Northern Ireland this weekend.

Jo, at 44, is one of the oldest runners ever to be called up for international debut but she has ploughed a determined path since taking up the sport just two years ago.

The Keighley and Craven Athletic Club runner replaces former women's world champion Carol Greenwood in the P & O European Ferries Knockdhu Classic after the Bingley Harrier pulled out.

An excited Jo said: 'I am very lucky to get this place. especially as i have not been running for very long. I was originally selected as reserve but with Carol not going I was told I was in the team and i am thrilled about it.'

Jo works in Keighley as an advocacy officer with Airedale Community Health Council.

Jo joins up with her England colleagues today, Friday, and they inlude Skipton AC's Charlotte Sanderson, Cumbria's Jackie Hargreaves and Staffordshire's Kate Bailey.

Much of the selection was based on the recent British Championships at Pendle Hill where Jo was fourth overall and first lady veteran.

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