KEIGHLEY & Craven athlete Joe Hudson ensured that his trip to Italy was worth it, as he finished fifth as an individual and helped England Boys to win gold at the International Youth Cup in Lanzada.

Matty Mackay from Rossendale Harriers won the race, Ilkley Harriers' Euan Brennan was second and Skipton runner Hudson was fifth out of 51 competitors, who came from a wide range of countries, including USA, Italy, France and Turkey among others.

In a truly historic result, it was the first time an England Boys team had won gold in the event's history.

City of York's Josh Dickinson put in a commendable performance on his international mountain running debut to finish 11th, although his run did not count towards the final team scores.

Mackay crossed the line in 20 minutes and 10 seconds, while Brennan tackled the 4.3-kilometre course, which included a 290-metre ascent and descent, in 20.34.

Ermysted's Grammar School pupil Hudson also dipped under the 21-minute mark, finishing in a time of 20.54. Dickinson came home in 21.23.

Mackay, Brennan and Hudson had their positions combined to give England an incredibly low total of eight points, ensuring they comfortably beat the French, who scored 18 points, thanks to their runners finishing third, seventh and eighth.

Hosts Italy came third in the event with 36 points. Meanwhile, England Girls came fifth overall in the female race. Emily Field of Bingley Harriers secured a 13th place finish with a time of 25.57, as her team racked up a total of 44 points.