HEREFORD runner Charlie Jones cleared away any festive cobwebs by clinching victory in the Wye Valley New Year’s Day 10-kilometre race.

Some 222 runners took part in the event around the country lanes near Breinton with Jones clocking a winning time of 34 minutes and 10 seconds.

Now competing for the Cheltenham and County Harriers, Jones held off a challenge from former club mate Barry Reynolds, of Hereford Couriers, finishing 17 seconds behind in 34.27 and Brecon athlete Brychan Price Davies in third (34.50).

Barry Reynolds, Bobby Pritchard and Liam Tosh, of Hereford Couriers, took a clear victory in the men’s team competition.

Brecon were well represented and took victory in the women's race with Donna Morris finishing in 41.45- 30 seconds clear of Jodie Newell, of Wye Valley Runners, in second.

Newell was challenged for her podium place by Naomi Prosser, from rival club Hereford Couriers, finishing a further 31 seconds behind.

Wye Valley Runners clinched the women’s team prize with Jodie Newell, Gillian Miskimmin and Juliet Moxon forming their team.

There was also a host of category prizes for the veteran and junior sections.

Martin Flowers, chair of Wye Valley Runners, invited runners to the club's next event – the off road Muddy Woody Six-Mile Challenge on Sunday, February 17, at Haugh Woods. There are still a few places left for this race.