Airienteers runners feature on the roll of honour for 2007, which has just been published by the British Orienteering Federation.

Hector Haines of Ilkley was British champion in the middle-distance race at the British Championships, while Joe Mercer of Skipton was sprint champion at the same event.

Haines was also winner of the Future Champions Cup at M18 level, a competition of aggregate scores from a number of designated high-profile events.

He is one of only five young men who have been selected for this year's junior squad, which is funded through the world-class programme for the development of orienteering.

Airienteers were also winners of the 2007 Peter Palmer Relays, the premier junior relay event on the sport's calendar.

Meanwhile, several Airienteers runners travelled to Warwick University, near Coventry, at the weekend to compete in the British Sprint Championships.

This format requires quick decision-making and technical skills, as well as good basic speed.

Ian Nixon came a creditable eighth in the M21 race, with Ben Stevens 21st out of the 128 runners.

Haines was second at M20 over the same course and George Stevens 17th at M18. Ben Calvert was ninth in the M12 event.

In the women's races, Chloe Haines had a good run for sixth place at W18, while Susan Stevens gave an excellent performance as runner-up at W55. Naomi Calvert was also runner-up in her W10 race.

Sarah Haines, although in the W45 age group, competed well for 23rd position in the W21 race and Florence Haines was 12th at W16.

This Sunday, Airienteers host a district event in the beautiful grounds of Bramham Park, representing an ideal opportunity for those new to orienteering to give it a try.

Starts are from 10.30am-12.30pm, with help and advice available to newcomers. Details are on the club's website at www.aire.org.uk.

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