Mary Wilkinson made a welcome and impressive return to racing on Saturday, winning the selection race for the Great Britain Mountain Running team which will compete in the European Championships in Denizli, Turkey in July.

The Long Preston runner had faced a frustrating start to the year when a stress fracture in her foot meant she was unable to run at all for three months which led to her racing plans being put on hold.

However, showing her dedication and determination to return to competitive action as quickly and successfully as possible, she followed a gruelling training regime of cycling, pool running and gym work throughout the injury lay-off.

That together with a gradual return to running guided by her coach Anne Buckley, paid-off with an impressive victory at the trial race in Sedbergh to gain another international call-up.

The selection race involved two laps of a tough 200m ascent and descent of Winder Fell behind Sedbergh and besides the challenge of the course, Mary also found herself in a tight dual with fellow Bingley Harrier Emma Clayton.

After trading the lead throughout the race it was Wilkinson who finally pulled clear to win by just four seconds, with Holmfirth Harriers Katie Walshaw coming through for third.

After marked improvement over the last few months, Skipton AC’s Clare Pearson made a strong debut at this level of competition, to finish ninth in a high-quality field.