IT was a classic case of "good news, bad news" for Prestatyn Running Club at the weekend.

A clutch of individual awards and one team award were scant compensation for the fact that both the men and women were relegated from Division One of the Grand Prix Express North Wales League.

The ladies always had a struggle to retain their position in the top flight, but the men's result was particularly disappointing, with low turnouts in a couple of fixtures.

There were, however, some excellent individual performances in the final race at Oswestry, with Steve Skates finishing second and winning the M40 class.

He was placed third overall for the season.

Other age-category awards went to Lois Lee (2nd U20), George Nixon (1st M65), Mike Davis (3rd M70) and Dave Hughes (1st M80), while the over-65s' team came first.

The highlight of the awards ceremony, however, was the decision to present the Bebbington Shield for services to the league jointly to two of Prestatyn's outstanding super-veterans.

Roger Harrison-Jones, who missed Saturday's race, and Dave Hughes, who are both in their 80s, have been involved in the league since its inception 60 years ago when they were members of the Rhyl and District Athletics Club.

Placings in Saturday's races:

Ladies: 14, Lois Lee 22.34 (1st U20); 53, Helen Ashworth 26.02; 54, Jo Hoppes 26.05; 67, Jo Lewis 27.25; 72, Ally Reid 28.02; 77, Liz Martin 28.54; 106, Julia Evans 35.14; 136, Clare Manley 36.16;

114, Julie Evans 43.18; 115, Karen Roberts 43.18.

Men U-17: 10, Liam Martin 26.05.

Men O-65: 2, George Nixon 23.08.

Men O-70: 1, Gareth Hughes 27.43; 3, Mike Davis 28.42.

Men O-80: 1, Dave Hughes 37.29.

Men: 2, Steve Skates 33.13 (1st M40); 24, Josh Cerefice 35.35; 65, Rob Alexander 40.10; 100, James Rogers 45.00; 104, Darren Thompson 45.21; 105, Steve Weedman 45.23; 117, Wyn Roberts 50.51; 119, Steve Brown 52.27.

One of the reasons for the under-strength squads on Saturday was the counter-attraction of Sunday's Alsager 5 race, where some members were representing North Wales.

Prestatyn RC placings:

Ladies: 6, Amie Bagnall 30.29; 28, Jenna Bagnall 33.26.

Men: 41, Andy Bromley 28.18; 77, Leon Bagnall 29.53; 121, Matty

Smith 31.16.

Only two members took part in the Conwy Parkrun on Saturday.

Nigel Bakewell came in 49th in 22.36 and Martin Gill was 92nd in 25.35.

This Saturday it is hoped that most of the beginners' group will have a go at the Conwy run to assess their progress over the past five weeks.