Mother-of-four Jo Prowse has reached the top in fell-running - less than two years after taking up the sport.

Jo, 44, has been picked for England and will run alongside the best in the country.

The Keighley and Craven Athletic Club runner is one of the oldest ever to be called up for full international honours. She takes her place in the England team for what is very much a home international clash in Northern Ireland next weekend.

She replaces former women's world champion Carol Greenwood in the line-up for the P&O European Ferries-sponsored Knockdhu Classic after the Bingley Harrier pulled out.

"I'm very lucky to get this place especially as I haven't been running for long. I was originally selected as reserve but with Carol not going, I was told I was on the team - and I'm thrilled," she said.

Based in Keighley as advocacy officer with Airedale Community Health Council, she puts her success largely down to training with the Keighley club.

"I must thank everyone who has encouraged me," she said.

Jo will join up with her England colleagues next Friday - the day before the race.

Also in the line-up is Skipton AC's Charlotte Sanderson, Cumbrian runner Jackie Hargreaves and Kate Bailey from Staffordshire. Much of the selection was based on the recent British championship race at Pendle Hill where Jo finished fourth and first lady veteran.

Bingley, Keighley and Craven clubs have their strongest line-ups out for tomorrow's national 12-stage relay at Sutton Park, Birmingham. New boys K&C make their debut on the national stage after qualifying as 18th of 20 clubs in the Northern round in Leeds. Chairman John Dennis said the club aimed for a top 50 finish. Skipper Martin Horbury has a strong mix of talent, and age range, at his disposal. Among those coming into the side are former junior international Alfie Atkinson, Pete Carr, 52, former British Over-50 half-marathon champion, and 19-year-old student Sam Wadsworth.

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