Superb doubles from Basildon AC's duo of schools international Katie Flaherty and Steven Surety proved local highlights of the Essex County Athletic Championships, staged at Chelmsford's Melbourne Park.

Katie won both the under-20 women's 100m (13.03s) and 400m (59.02s) and was runner-up in the 200m in a time of 26.44.

Showing their mettle - Essex County Championship medal winners from Basildon Athletic Club Picture: STEVE O'CONNELL

In the senior men's event Surety took the 400 flat in 48.21 and 400 hurdles in 52.85 in blustery conditions.

Basildon totally dominated the under-15 girls' high jump by taking five of the first seven places.

Southend AC's Adam Shaw won the men's under-17 400m (50.62), while Thurrock Harrier Helen Thomas moved to third on the all-time list for the four-year-old specification javelin as she added 44 centimetres to her personal best with 44.25m for victory in the women's under-17 competition.

Southend's Neil Baker collected a bronze in the veterans 110m hurdles -- his first County medal since 1969.

Published Friday, May 16, 2003

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