DURHAM CITY'S Great Britain international Rosie Smith leads the region's quest for medals in today's North of England Cross Country Championships at Pontefract.

The 26-year-old North-East champion, bronze-medallist when Sunderland hosted the Northern event last year, has had one of her best-ever cross country seasons, culminating in the award of her first full international vest in the Great Edinburgh Cross Country International earlier this month.

Smith had a superb road racing season last year, winning many regional events, including the Darlington and Tees Pride 10Ks.

Now she is carrying forward her form over the country and after the big Edinburgh race she has represented the North of England in the McCain Cardiff Cross meeting and then wore a Scottish vest in last weekend's Antrim International in Northern Ireland.

Now Smith, who represented Great Britain in the World Junior Cross Country Championships in 2004, is delighted to be clear of the injury problems which proceeded to blight her athletics progress until 2007, and is thriving on the opportunity to compete regularly at a high level.

She said: "What's happened is truly amazing - I can't believe I've managed to get through so many races unscathed and long may it continue.

"The Northern Championships will be another big test but these days I seem to thrive on competition. I'm look forward to another tough race with the hope of picking up a medal again."

After this afternoon's 8K, two-lap event Smith will continue with a packed racing programme, which includes the English, Scottish and Inter Counties cross country championships.

Morpeth Harriers and New Marske Harriers, winners and runners-up respectively in last weekend's Durham Cathedral Cross Country Relays, are likely to be the North-East's leading contenders in the senior men's race at Pontefract, with Morpeth also expected to field a strong women's team.

Today's programme starts at 11am with the 5K under-17 women's race and culminates with the 12K three-lap senior men's event at 3.05.