GIRLS from Vale Royal Athletics Club were medal-winners during the Mini London Marathon on Sunday.

Grace Roberts and Holly Weedall were part of a North West selection for a three-mile race in the capital that doubles as the British Athletics Road Championships for young runners.

They were both counters in the under 13s girls’ category, helping their team to third.

Weedall, a student at Weaverham High School, was seventh in 17.33, while Hartford Church of England High School pupil Roberts crossed the line 24th in 18.12.

Meanwhile Holly Smith was 14th in the under 15s girls’ age group, won by her region, after clocking 17.26.

All three were selected based on their performances throughout the winter.

“It’s a fantastic achievement to be recognised,” said coach Shaun McGrath.

“The girls will have taken a lot from the experience, and to return home with a medal is a nice bonus for Grace and Holly.”

Rick Murray led Vale Royal’s seven-strong contingent in the main race, reaching the finish in 3:12.16 to set a personal best.

Debutant Carolyn Dooley declared herself happy after following him over the line in 3:14.58, just ahead of Gemma Barnett who timed 3.15.55.

Tony Atkinson (3:58.13) and Matt Wooley (4:00.48) were next to complete the 26.2-mile course on a sunny day, the former dipping under four hours.

Jo Edwards clocked 4:19.47, while Sarah Walker made up for the disappointment of missing out on last year’s edition – when she had to withdraw due to illness – by recording a time of 5:07.05.