GREAT Britain international Brian Rushworth, whose athletics career was in jeopardy earlier this year, proved himself to be still the North-East's King of the Road with a seventh consecutive victory in yesterday's Darlington 10K.

The 37-year-old Sunderland Harrier again proved too strong for Morpeth Harrier Terry Wall, breaking clear after seven kilometres to win by nearly 100m in a time of 30min 51sec.

It was Rushworth's third success in the Darlington event, but he admitted it was tough going in the humid conditions and he tired towards the end of the race.

But the Gateshead teacher was delighted that there was no reaction from the heel injury which kept him out of action for six months after his ninth victory in the North-East Cross Country Championship in December.

"At one point I thought I would never run again," admitted Rushworth, who has won virtually every local North-East road race, including the prestigious Morpeth-Newcastle event.

"Now my ankle is fine - I've had no problems - and it's now a matter of regaining my old fitness."

Wall, who gave Rushworth a scare in last month's Washington Parks race, stuck with his rival as long as he could after his attempts to get away in mid-race failed, but had to concede three kilometres from the finish.

Rushworth said: "I tried from 3K to break Terry and while I managed to gain a few yards he always managed to claw his way back.

"At 7K I think we were both as tired as each other and when the pace dropped I must have been a little stronger and managed to get away."

Rushworth admitted: "I felt as though I weakened towards the end but 30.51 is not a bad time."

Rushworth's big test will be in next month's Inter Counties 10K at Bradford and he will be seeking to stretch his winning sequence to eight races in the Jarrow 10K at the end of the month.

Wall is determined to keep challenging Rushworth's domination of the local road race scene.

"He is the man to beat and I'm still trying," said the Durham baker. "He is still the tops."

Prolific racer Sheila Allen, third in the race last year, turned the tables on defending champion Alison Raw.

The Darlington Harrier hit the front after the first kilometre, but the double World Veteran Championships gold medallist refused to let her get more than 15m ahead and regained the lead with three kilometres remaining.

"I just shot past on a twisty part of the course and when she said 'well done' I was putting so much into my running I couldn't even answer her," said the 42-year-old Houghton Harrier