THROWING ace Les Richards was close to his personal best when he took part in the CAU Inter Counties meeting in Bedford.

The in-form City of York Athletics Club international threw 55.25 metres, his second best ever effort, in the discus before hurling 16.70 metres in the shot putt.

Richards, ranked number two in the shot and three in discus in England, was also joined by javelin thrower Paul Allsopp, who put in an impressive display.

Competing against senior athletes, the teenager finished seventh with an effort of 62.88 metres – beating the number one junior and other international athletes.

Chloe Smyrk, ranked in the top ten for her age group in javelin and discus, also took on the adults and competed well. She finished tenth in the javelin behind winner Goldie Sayers and ninth in the discus.