Over 30 years after joining the Darlington Harriers as a youngster of nine Mike Trees is still very competitive and for many years has been on the international scene as a triathlete and duathlete.

At nearly 41, Mike has been selected to represent Great Britain in the ITU World Duathlon Championships to be held on August 30 near Zurich, Switzerland.

This is a gruelling event in which competitors run 10K, bike 40K and run 5K in mountainous conditions.

His selection follows his achievement in June at the Duathlon World Cup held in Alpharetta, USA, where he was the first Britain home and fourth overall.

In a race which attracted a top international field the heat was so oppressive ice and water were essential to avoid heat exhaustion and dehydration.

In Zurich Mike, whose parents live in Hurworth, will be part of an elite five-man team expected to do well. He is in peak condition and looking forward to the race.