TAVISTOCK Athletic Club's 'athlete of the month' award was presented to Allan Herdman. It was not for road running exploits, as is normally the case with this accolade, but for his recent achievements in track and field competition.

'Veteran road runners can still do track and field,' said Allan after collecting his trophy, 'And, there is some good competition out there. What is brilliant about athletics is that it is not just a young person's game. Last year I competed in the British Masters Championships in Birmingham and was amazed at the talent on show in every single event and across all of the vet age groups.

'I hadn't ventured onto a track since my school days - a long time ago! My eldest daughter joined Tavistock AC in 2001 and was invited to compete for the club at a meeting in Braunton, and it was suggested that I could take my own gear and compete myself. So, with enormous trepidation, I stepped on to the track and had a go at the sprint races. It's fair to say that I didn't embarrass myself at all or my daughter!

'She hung her spikes up well before me but I still attend track and field meetings with my younger kids. As much as I am there to support and encourage them I cannot avoid the lure of the track and usually you will find me competing in some event or other.'

At the recent county championships in Exeter, Allan competed in the 400m, 800m and Long Jump, winning all three events in his age category. Not bad for a 59 year old. Although Allan has left it just a little late for Olympic selection for the London 2012!