Keighley and Craven AC's Jo Prowse is the Queen of Braemar. The British and English veteran's fell champion from Ilkley created her own bit of history by becoming the first-ever women's winner at the famous Highland Gathering on Saturday.

For more than 100 years women have not been allowed to run the hill race at Braemar. But Jo , 44, broke with tradition, greeting her win before around 20,000 spectators, with a jig of delight at the finish.

Even the fact that the race is over before Her Majesty the Queen, Prince Philip and the Queen Mother arrived at the arena, could not diminish the winner's joy.

"It was magic . . . a tremendous atmosphere", she said. "The colour was spectacular - just like a rainbow - and the cheers lifted me".

The mother of four from Ilkley was also astounded by the recognition she later received.

"Everyone was forever coming up for me in pubs and in the streets - all complete strangers - just congratulating me".

The Keighley and Dales-based club had a 15-strong team at Braemar - almost a quarter of the actual field though around 100 had pre-entered.

Prowse, Airedale Community Health Council's advocacy officer, was also quick to praise clubmates:

"It was fantastic to have so many there because winning wouldn't have been the same on my own.

"I'll certainly be back next year to defend my title", she said.

Jo finished 36th ovrall from 64 starters in 33.37.

Runners need to be quick off the mark to register for Keighley and Craven AC's Bronte Way race on Sunday, October 4. Only the first 50 are guaranteed free travel to the start.

Last year's event attracted a record 78-strong field for the nine-mile point-to-point which starts from Wycoller and finishes outside the Bronte family home in Haworth.

Both men's and womens' records fell last year with new bests now credited to Bradford's Gary Oldfield (49min 43sec) and Bingley's Carol Greenwood (57.12).

For an entry form, contact Kevin Hopkingson at 22, Regent Crescent, Skipton, BD23 1BG. Tel 01756 794979.

Converted for the new archive on 30 June 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.