CYCLISTS from the North- East put in some good performances at a race meeting.

Competitors met on the Stone Cross playing fields in Northallerton, North Yorkshire, for the fifth round of the sport's Yorkshire Championships, at the weekend.

Professionals and amateurs from around the country completed the 13-mile course, which was also Hamble- ton Road Club's cyclo-cross race meeting.

Keith Murray, from Darlington, and Noel Clough, from Northallerton, competed for the main trophy in the senior race and both finished in the top ten.

Ranked as one of the best cyclo racers in the country, Mr Clough is one of the favourites to clinch the championships.

The event was held in memory of keen local cyclist John Stevenson, 71, who died four years ago. His son, Peter, a former national champion, travelled from his home in Belgium to take part.

"Peter made an excellent start but slipped a few times on the bridge, allowing others to catch up," said organiser Allan Waton.

"He came in third but did feel he could have done better and will be back next year to prove it."

The course took cyclists through woodland, over grassland and built-up areas. While the seniors had to complete eight laps, the younger competitors cycled four.

Northallerton youngster Gareth Waton, 14, entered the competition for the first time and finished seventh.

In the veterans' category, Cliff Featherstone, from the Bishop Auckland area, finished tenth.