LEIGH Harriers athlete Laura Riches is celebrating after winning bronze in her first indoor 3,000m race at the British University Indoor Track And Field Championships in Sheffield.

The 20-year-old from Tyldesley was up against some of the best middle-distance runners in Britain.

She said: “I thought I had it won with 100 metres to go, but the pace lifted and in the end I was really pleased to hold out for third. I’ve got to be happy with that in my first ever indoor race.”

After the forthcoming track season, Riches heads out to the University of New Mexico in Albuquerque, United States, to begin a two-year running scholarship.

She said: “I’m really looking forward to making myself a better athlete in the States – but Leigh Harriers has been so good for me.”