A MALHAM runner has been selected for the first time to represent Great Britain and Northern Ireland at the World Mountain Running Championships in Argentina in November.

Joe Hudson, 18, who runs for Keighley and Craven AC, qualified for the event at the British Mountain Running Championships in Wales, where he won the silver medal behind European champion and fellow qualifier, Joe Dugdale of Cumberland Fell Runners.

"I can't wait to compete in my first England vest," said Hudson. "It's going to be a great nine days.

The championships take place in Villa La Angostura, Argentina, on Friday, November 15, but Hudson will arrive in the country the week before to train with his 13 teammates.

"It's been a goal of mine for a couple of years," Hudson said "I missed out earlier this year and I've been working hard ever since to get there."

Hudson, a former Ermysteds Grammar School sixth former who now attends university in Birmingham, added: "I started running in Year 7, joined Keighley and Craven at age 13 and slowly progressed from there."

Hudson focuses on mountain running, but also competes in fell running, cross country and track and field.

Anne Buckley, the GB and NI team leader, said: “For the debutants, they have earned their places on the team and demonstrated they are ready for this level of competition.”