STUNNING Auckland Castle was the backdrop to one of Britain's top road races over the bank holiday weekend.

The fourth New Balance/ Running Fitness Auckland Castle 10km race was dominated by Kenyan runners as they took the first four places in the men's competition and top two in the women's.

Crowds lined the Market Place to cheer on runners who started and finished the circular route at Auckland Castle.

Event organiser Kevin Peart of Wear Valley District Council said: "We are delighted that we have made further steps forward this year.

"The icing on the cake was when the Rt Rev Michael Turnbull, the Bishop of Durham, turned up unannounced at the presentation and assisted with the hand-out of awards and thanked all of the record field for travelling to run in his back garden."

Julius Kimtai, who won in 1999 and 2000, recorded a third win with a time of 28 minutes 59 seconds - the fastest road 10km run in Britain this year.

The best British efforts came from Matt O'Dowd and Matt Smith, in fifth and sixth spot.

The women's race was won with a record time of 32 minutes 59 seconds, by Miriam Wangari. Northern runner Diane Henegham, of Morpeth, finished sixth in 34 minutes 39 seconds.

This year's event also included the British Veterans' Championships.

The men's title was won by Durham City's Rob Hand, in 32 minutes 11 seconds, and the women's by Diane Heneghan.

And the Inter Area match, also incorporated into the event, saw the Northern Counties team prevail over the Midlands in the women's race but the Northern men were beaten by the Midlands.