NEWLYWEDS Simon and Denise Nott made it a family affair when they took both the men's and women's titles in the Bishops Cannings 5000 metre dash on Saturday.

For the 34th year the village near Devizes was full of runners as the dash was staged as part of the church fete. Simon Nott, 23, won the title for a seventh time and finished just seconds outside the course record.

His 45-year-old wife beat off many much younger competitors to take not just the women's title but to finish in fifth place overall.

She said: "Last year Simon persuaded me to enter and we both won but this time it was nice to do it as husband and wife. We only got married two weeks ago. It is a lovely little run that attracts lots of people. It is one of Simon's favourites.

"On the day it was quite hot and windy so not ideal conditions but we really enjoyed it."

The couple met when Denise joined Calne Running Club a couple of years ago. They also both work for Wiltshire Council in Trowbridge. She said: "We are both very committed to our running and it is nice to be with someone who shares your dedication."

Olympic skeleton silver medallist Shelley Rudman, who grew up in Pewsey and won the race three times, gave out the medals. Her daughter Ella Rudman-Bromley came second in this year's girls race. Ella's dad Olympian Kristen Bromley ran with her.

A total of 55 runners took on the course, which actually measures 5,628 metres rather than 5,000, and were led home by Mr Nott who won in 18.32.

Second was Gary Hughes who was also the first veteran in the 50+ category. In third place was eight times previous winner Mark Anderson from Pewsey Running Club. Mark first won the event as long ago as 1990.

Coming in behind Denise is the ladies' race was Catherine Russ in second and Caroline Hall in third.

First veteran in the 60+ section was John Summers.

First girl in the 12 and under section was Lottie Brown.

The boys section was won by Ben McAlister who was followed by Kallum Harris in second.

Organiser Francis Goddard said: "The oldest competitor was 81 year old Anthony Hickson who has run the race on many occasions and is a great supporter of the event."