Banbury's Kim Shaw has taken first place in the 45 to 49 year-olds category at the National Triathlon Championships in Manchester.

The gruelling race, which involves a 1500m swim, 40km cycle ride and 10km run was held on the course that athletes will face in next year's Commonwealth Games.

Kim ShawShaw, a former runner, who only took up triathlon four years ago, said: "I am absolutely delighted, but a bit worn out because I have had a long season.

"I hadn't planned to enter this race, but when I found out it was the national championships, I felt I had to have a go. It was difficult getting myself motivated again after the world championships at Edmonton."

Banbury was well-represented at the national event. Shaw was one of eight members of the Team Cherwell Triathlon Club who took part in the championships, which attracted more than a thousand entries.

James Nash, 29, of Helmdon, competed in his first ever triathlon, finishing 30th out of 60 in his age group, and Mike Julien, 43, of Chacombe, near Banbury covered Olympic distances in competition for the first time at the event.

*Before the national championships, 32 members from Team Cherwell took part in a national relay triathlon event in Nottingham. The club, which was only formed two years ago, had the largest number of competitors of any club in the country.