ATHLETICS: YOUNGSTERS inspired by Paula Radcliffe's impressive distance-running achievements should head for Ellesmere Port this Saturday as West Cheshire AC host the first round of their open junior cross-country series at Whitby Park (10am).

The fixture is the first of four events organised in a bid to encourage youngsters under 15 to take an interest in middle-distance running with U11s, U13s and U15s races.

Entry costs 50p and organisers urge entrants to arrive no later than 9.30am to enter their respective races.

Other dates in the junior cross-country series are Saturdays, December 13; February 14; and March 6.

Meanwhile, Ken Begley spearheaded WCAC's charge at Sefton Park in the second round of the Liverpool and District Cross-Country League.

Ken clocked 34min 8sec for 14th position while Graham Jenkins was next home, finishing 25th in 35:37; ahead of Paul Frodsham (30th in 35:55); Andrew Clague (39th in 36:32); Paul Price (56th in 37:49); John McGill (89th in 41:51); Alan Cooper (102nd in 42:48); and Mike Lamb (134th in 47:47).

Four WCAC juniors competed in the Reebok Cross-Country Challenge Races at Sefton Park.

Kelly Money posted 11:38 for 71st spot in the U15 girls' race, while Rebecca Grimes (51st in 12:01), Zarah Hodder (69th in 13:17) and Lauren Money (78th in 14:00) competed in the U13 girls' event.

WCAC roadrunners will be attempting to retain top spot in the Borders Road Men's League Division One fixture this Sunday at Mold (11am), after starting the series with a victory at Deestriders earlier this month.

WCAC's annual general meeting will take place at Bishop's High School, Chester, on Friday at 7.30pm.

Entries are now being accepted for the Chester Round The Walls Races to be held on Boxing Day from Chester Racecourse (11am). Further details from Brian Hastings on 01244 311908.

Any WCAC member wanting to compete in the Cheshire County AA Cross-Country Championships, at Winsford, on Saturday, January 3; and/or the North of England AA Cross-Country Championships, at Sherdley Park, St Helens, on Saturday, January 24, should contact either Dennis Wall on 0151 201 1254 or Mike Lamb on 0151 355 2520, as soon as possible.