Last year proved to be a fabulous 12 months for Darlington athlete Mike Trees - and he's hoping 2004 will be just as successful.

He ended 2003 by being crowned British Duathlete of the Year after the former professional tri-athlete finished fourth in the official world rankings, which came following some tremendous results in events around the world.

Trees jets from continent to continent competing in the duathlons which, like the triathlon, is a demanding three-event sport but instead of running, swimming and cycling legs it features a second run in place of the swimming section.

Aged 40 he came fourth in the Duathlon World Cup held in Atlanta, USA in June, where he was the first Britain home.

He was first Britain home again in the ITU World Duathlon Championship in Zurich, Switzerland in August and headed the British team again in September at the European Championships.

These successes led to him being voted British Duathlete of 2003 and he was awarded the honour by the British Triathlon Association at a ceremony held at Loughborough University in November.

He said: "Of all the successes last year, being voted was probably the best as it means you've earned a bit of respect."

Trees did his early training when, as a nine-year-old schoolboy at Abbey Road Juniors, he joined Darlington Harriers.

A former pupil at Darlington's Hummersknott Comprehensive and Queen Elizabeth Sixth Form College, he remained a member of the Harriers for 25 years before moving to Japan in 1990 where he lived for 12 years as a professional triathlete, winning the Asian Championships and becoming Japan National Champion on several occasions.

"It wasn't a bad way to earn a living," admits Trees.

But Trees, now based in Reading, believes there was a stigma attached to his success-filled time in Japan - so being crowned duathlete of the year is all the sweeter.

"I was voted as the winner for 2003 by the members of the association and I feel I've finally been recognised for my achievements by people back home," he said.

"People thought it was easy in Japan so nobody in the triathlon fraternity in England thought that I was particularly good at anything.

"So it was nice to come back to England, at the age of 41, and show that I can still mix it with the best.

"You have to be very dedicated in this sport but I don't find training difficult. Anyone can find 30 minutes to go for a run, but it's finding time to relax, have a stretch or massage that's difficult.

"I'm competing against professionals and although I no longer am, I consider myself to be in terms of preparation and dedication."

He has already mapped out his year ahead with more trips abroad including a trip to New Zealand.

The New Zealand trip comes in May after Trees joined the North-Eastern Veteran's Association with aim of winning the Masters' World 10k Running Championships, while Belgium beckons in the shape of the World Duathlon Championships in May.

He said: "I'm very lucky to be doing what I do because it's enabled me to visit countries over the world.

"I've been Asia, India, Taiwan, Thailand, Cambodia, New Zealand, Australia, America and Canada - you name it I've probably been there!"