ATHLETE Darren Towart has become a British champion at the 400m hurdles.

The Tynedale Harrier won gold at the British Masters Championships in Birmingham on Sunday.

He recorded a time of 60.83s to win the M40 (age 40-45) category title.

“I’m over the moon because it was a battle,” said Towart. “The wind was very gusty.”

“The M40 race was combined with the M35. I was the first M40 home, and I ran a good race.

“I could easily have won the M35 title, but struggled a bit over the last four hurdles.”

Last weekend also saw younger Tynedale Harriers compete in the English Championships, in Bedfordshire.

Daniel Joyce lined-up alongside current world record holder Max Burgin in the 800m final at U17 level, and finished second with a time of 1m 52.74s.

Kate Salthouse was sixth in the U15 girls 800m final, with a time of 2m 21.43s, after a very competitive heat.

In the U15 boys 1,500m, Charlie Daley ran a very tactful heat before finishing 8th with a time of 4m 32.29s.

After an explosive start in the U15 girls 75m hurdles, Kate Smith was forced to pull out after hitting the fifth hurdle.