VETERAN athlete Jim Caddy sprinted past the finish line to break a British record in a race he had never run before.

The runner, who competed at the British Masters Championships in Cardiff last weekend, arrived back at his Redcar home with three gold medals.

The long distance specialist, now aged 80, who has been running since the age of 46, had never competed in an 800m race before last week.

But the father-of-two, who trains on a treadmill in his sheltered accommodation, was stunned when the announcement was made. He had covered the near half-mile distance in 3min 48sec.

The former ICI worker said: "It was so hard, but I am over the moon. I couldn't believe it when I crossed the finish line.

"To win the gold medal in a race I had never run before was one achievement but to be then told I had broken the British record was astounding."

Jim, who was handed the Spirit of Sport Award at the Local Heroes Awards last year, picked up gold in the 800m, the 1500m and the 3000m races in the age category 80-84 years.

He said: "I'm so proud of my achievements and have my health to thank. To be able to run and compete at my age is something I will always treasure."

Jim is now preparing to compete in the European Masters Championships in Sweden, followed by a road race event in Spain later in the year.

He said: "I'll keep running until I can't walk. I have running to thank for my grand old age."