WYE Valley Runners welcomed England Athletics Coach Kerry Newell who ran three evening sessions as part of a new initiative.

The Hereford based club were successful in a bid to take part in a new initiative run by England Athletics.

Aimed at supporting running clubs with mixed ability groups, Newell was loaned to the club for three evening coaching sessions .

The free sessions were very popular and the England coach led around 30 runners through various activities including warming up, sprint drills, stretching, nutrition and an introduction to speed work- all designed to help runners improve their times.

“England Athletics really want to see improvement at grass roots level for runners of all abilities. Simply by eating well, listening to their bodies and following structured programme athletes of any ability can see real improvement,” said Newell.

Martin Flowers, the Wye Valley Runners Chair said that Newell's expertise has helped build enthusiasm for the club's coaching set-up.

He added: “I was really pleased that we won the bid and got the professional support of a coach like Kerry.

"This offered something different for our members. The club will now build on this enthusiasm; developing our own Hereford based coaching programme and helping all of our members to get more out of their running.”

Anybody interested in joining Wye Valley Runners can go along to their training nights at 6pm on Mondays and Wednesday at Hereford Rowing Club. All abilities are welcome.