ENERGETIC athletes took to the Dales at the weekend for the annual Weardale Traithlon.

Glorious weather conditions helped the event run smoothly for competitors who completed the 750m swim, 20k bike ride and 5k run at Stanhope.

Sunday saw a great day's triathlon action with some of the region's best triathletes and recreational sports people participating.

But the significance of the day was not forgotten as Coun Margaret Jones, Chairman of Wear Valley District Council, asked all competitors to observe a minute's silence to commemorate the D-Day landings.

The first two men's finishers broke the one-hour barrier with Thomas Doughty winning and Scott Holmes coming second - giving him a first three finish for the seventh successive year, which has included three wins.

Results: Men: 1 Thomas Doughty (Sun City Tri) 59.23; 2 Scott Holmes (TFN) 59.44; 3 Roger Godley (Cleveland Bike Trax) 60.02; 4 Robert Bee (Ryton Tri) 60.06. Women: 1 Amanda Cantle (Sun City tri) 68.58; 2 Helen Wilcox (Tyne Tri 69.25; 3 Jo-Ann Short 72.38; 4 Christine Buckley (North Yorks Police Tri) 74.51.