TWO members of Tavistock Athletic Club produced outstanding performances on the national stage.

Patrick Channings confirmed his status as one of the most promising juniors the club has ever produced by coming second in the U15s boys 400 metres at the Aviva England Athletic Indoor Championships at the NIA, Birmingham.

Patrick, who is coached by the club's junior head coach Adam Tofield, produced a time of 53.80 seconds. 

This was the first time Patrick aged 14 had competed on an indoor track which is only 200m instead of the normal 400m.

On the Saturday Patrick comfortably won his 400m heat beating his personal best with a time of 53.57secs to take him into the finals. Later that day he stepped up for the final and again ran a solid race with another sub 54sec time to come second and receive the silver medal. On the Sunday, although tired from the previous day, he battled hard to qualify for the Semi finals in the 200m, but unfortunately could not make it into the finals.

His coach Adam praised Patrick: 'This was a fantastic achievement and experience for Patrick and he was the only athlete from Devon or Cornwall to pick up a medal from the championships.

'Patrick is an ever maturing athlete. He has so much raw potential and with his determination and work ethic he really does deserve this success. He is breaking club records for fun and really inspires the younger and older athletes. The whole club is really proud of his achievements and we are all looking forward to the outdoor season to see this success continue.'

Patrick will start his outdoor track season on April 1 in the Plymouth Spring warm-up meeting.

Another TAC member enjoying success was Tony Symons who came second in his age group (M50) in the English National Cross Country Championships at Parliament Hill, London, being placed 434th out of 1,689.

Club treasurer Keith Bowles added: 'Both might not have achieved such success had it not been for the training they were able to put in on the athletic track at Tavistock College.'