Cross country racer Paul Coon hopes to bring home a medal for England when he competes in a prestigious international competition next month.

Coon has been called up by the England Athletics Masters Association to run in the British & Irish Masters International Cross Country event at Aintree Racecourse on Saturday, November 16.

The 37-year-old has been selected to run in the M35 category on the eight-kilometre course.

And he hopes to finish in the top four of England’s six-man team, which would mean his points could contribute to a medal win for the side.

Coon, of Low Road Close, Cockermouth, has previously represented his country in the competition in Swansea last year.

He said: “The first time last year I didn’t know what to expect and I didn’t know if I would be good enough because there were so many top athletes there.

“It’s a really good atmosphere with a lot of people watching.

“This year my aim is to try and break into that top four of the English team and secure some points to help us get a gold medal.

“I’m excited about it but I don’t know much about the course.”

Coon will continue to ramp up his training over the next month or so to ensure he is in top shape before dialling it back in the days leading up to the event.

The Sellafield process worker is wary of pushing himself too hard after recovering from foot and heel injuries, sustained at the end of January, which sidelined him for months.

And he considers his comeback to be selected for this team a greater achievement than being picked last year for the first time.

Since returning to running he has improved his best times and believes he is ready to show what he can do at Aintree.

“I’m really proud,” he added.

“Last year it was a bit of a shock and I didn’t expect it but this year I think was even more of an achievement.”

The event sees England, Northern Ireland, the Republic of Ireland, Scotland, and Wales face off.

Each country takes it in turns to host the event.

Coon also won a trio of medals at the British Masters Outdoor Track & Field Championships in August and is also set to compete in the Benidorm 10k the weekend after the British & Irish Masters event.