Southend AC's all conquering under-17 men's cross-country squad added the English national title to the Southern crown they won earlier in the year in freezing conditions in Birmingham.

The seasiders' quartet of Adam Hickey, Mark Bailey, David Crichton and Christopher Lee, with Peter Smale in reserve, left their rivals trailing in their wake as they won the team crown with 39 points.

They finished 56 ahead of nearest rivals City of Norwich with old adversaries Aldershot a further point back.

And Hickey, sponsored by Canvey-based Club Sports (UK) and just a month away from his date for Great Britain in the World Cross-Country Championships in France, proved to be in majestic form as he headed the field of 244 to retain the individual title in a time of 20 mins 13 secs - 28 seconds ahead of his nearest rival.

Essex Schools champion Mark Bailey failed to gain an individual medal by just two seconds when he took fourth spot in 20.52 with Crichton eighth (20.58) and Lee 26th (21.43).

It was a repeat clean-up of both team and individual titles for the Ron Dawson-coached Southend boys who next bid for glory, this time for Essex, in the Reebok Inter-Counties at Notting-ham in a fortnight's time.

The week after that it is the English Schools' event in Norwich.

Hickey, who will not be able to compete in East Anglia as it is just a week away from his World date, has received the welcome news that his absence will not stop him being a part of the County team at the London Marathon - mini marathon - event if Essex should qualify.