Will Smith, of Oxenhope, has found his best form since 2010, by winning two classic Yorkshire Dales road races.

The three-time Keighley 10k winner has struggled with injury in recent years, but after changing clubs from Keighley & Craven AC to Halifax Harriers, Smith has changed his training methods and managed an injury-free summer of athletics.

Smith started his Dales racing campaign at the Littondale Four-Mile Road Race, which he led from gun to tape in a time of 21 minutes one second.

He said: “I was pretty happy with my time, although two seconds quicker would have been a bit more satisfying."

Smith’s partner, Helen Glover, of Ribble Valley Harriers, made it an Oxenhope double by winning the ladies' category in a time of 23.48.

Then, Smith took on the tougher challenge of the undulating Burnsall 10-Mile Road Race.

The competition was much stronger in this race and Smith was pushed hard throughout the first half by on-form Jack Wood, of Ilkley Harriers.

Eventually the distance favoured veteran athlete Smith, who pulled away after six miles and finished in a time of 54.49.

“I’m absolutely delighted with this win.

"I’ve raced this event many times over the past 20 years, and have finished second place four times. It feels great to eventually get the gold."

Smith’s next target is a sub-32 minute 10k. He said: “I haven’t ran a 10K under 32 minutes for eight years, but I’m in great shape and if I keep working with my Halifax team-mates I’m confident I’ll do it."