ASHFORD AC athlete Andy Welch took the honours in the annual Hythe Rotary Round the Houses race on Sunday.

Welch felt he wasn’t up to full full fitness to compete in the county championships but the medical student was certainly strong enough to see off a small field to take the trophy in Hythe.

Runner-up was the Folkestone Running Club’s Sam Rigby who finished 33 seconds adrift of Welch’s winning time of 19:06.

Third was the promising Shepway boxer who runs for fitness Josh Kennedy with 20:47.

Ladies honours went to another Folkestone Running Club athlete Helen Wheeler with 23:03.

Folkestone Running Club helps organise the the event which raises money for local charities.