Ashby athlete Simon Ward recorded a career-best 12th spot in the World Duathlon Championships in Romania.

Simon, who also runs the Blinds & Shutters 2U business in Market Street, was one of 2,000 competitors taking part in a week long sports festival in the medieval town of Targu Mures in Transylvania,

The Sprint Duathlon, the final event of the games, took place in the town centre itself.

The event consisted of a 5k run, through a packed venue, before a 20k bike around the cobbled streets and 14th century castle.

After a brutal ride in 28 degree temperatures, the final 2.5k was a battle for survival as the mid-day heat took its toll on the fiercely competitive event.

Simon said: "My 12th place finish was a massive improvement on 28th in Spain last year, and leaves me looking forward to The European Championships in Bilbao in September.

"This topped a great sporting year for me. A bronze medal in The Winter Duathlon, and 12th place here is making 2022 a great sporting year.

"I'm hoping I can follow up with a great finish in Bilbao."