Cockermouth cross-country racer Paul Coon has narrowly missed out on a podium finish.

Coon was called up by the England Athletics Masters Association to run in the British & Irish Masters International Cross Country event at Aintree Racecourse.

Agonisingly the England V35 team finished fourth, just missing out on the bronze position, which went to Northern Ireland.

Coon ran the five-mile course in 27.18 minutes.

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

But since returning to running he has improved his best times and was on form at Aintree.

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

He said last month, after gaining his selection: “I’m really proud.

“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.”

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