TWO of Vale Royal Athletics Club’s rising stars will race in England colours at an international cross country event in southern Spain later this month.

Elliot Bowker and Tessa McCormick were selected this week as part of a squad to take part in the 31st annual Cross Internacional de Itálica in Seville on Sunday week.

“It’s a tremendous achievement for honour for them and the club,” said coach Shaun McGrath.

“They have both worked hard to improve, so to have the reward of running for England is a worthy one.”

Bowker, who turned 17 on New Year’s Day, celebrated by winning his third successive county cross country title at Warrington on Saturday.

It marks the second time he has earned international recognition after running for England at the Schools International Athletics Board annual cross country match last year.

McCormick, 18, will compete on the European stage for the first time.