TAVISTOCK Athletic Club's 'Athlete of the Month' is Lesley Cowie.

Lesley joined the club in 2004 as a complete beginner, as she wished to take part in the Race for Life for charity. This accomplished, and having got the running bug, she competed in local races and ran the London Marathon in 2007.

Sheila Houghton, a spokesperson for the club, said: 'Despite breaks in training for both injury and illness, Lesley always comes back with renewed enthusiasm for her running and more determined than ever to improve her fitness.

'This year she has embraced the club's Grand Prix series, competing in eight races over various distances from 5k to the half marathon and is currently in lead position.

'Recently she has become a UK Athletics Leader in Running Fitness, a qualification which allows her to take others out to run and train. Lesley's concern for their enjoyment and welfare and her enthusiasm for the sport makes her a very worthy recipient of this award.'