CLEETHORPES-based athlete Tony Whiteman was delighted to set a new British veterans record for the 800m – but admitted he was frustrated to just miss out on the top European mark.

Whiteman won his final at the Northern Indoor Championships after successfully negotiating his way through the heats.

The 40-year-old clocked 1.52.59 to take the British Vet40 indoor record – and was just a fraction outside the European Vet40 benchmark held by Russian Vyacheslav Shabunin of 1.52.44.

Whiteman said: "I was really happy to win the race and get the record – but I was a little bit gutted that I just missed out on the European record.

"I felt strong in the heat and enjoyed it. It got me flowing and ready for the final."

Whiteman's display at Sheffield's English Institute of Sport came hot on the heels of his appearance in a world-class cross country race televised live by the BBC.

He lined-up alongside the likes of Asbel Kiprop and Kenenisa Bekele in the Bupa Great Edinburgh Cross Country.

Hot favourite Bekele had a rare off-day and finished way off the pace, while current Olympic 1500m champ Kiprop was in imperious form and easily won the 3k battle.

Whiteman, although finishing further down the field, was upbeat about the whole experience.

He said: "I struggled a bit due to the quality of the field and the conditions.

"It was very muddy, which is difficult to run in when you are as tall as I am.

"Kiprop was an exception to that rule though. For a tall man he looked brilliant, he covered the ground so easily. The quality he has is insane."

Keep an eye on your Telegraph for news of more local performers at the Northern Indoor Championships.