Joe Harris of Manx Harriers and Erika Kelly of Northern AC each came away with national titles from the England Athletics Championships in Bedford at the weekend.

Harris unleashed a huge personal best of 75 metres 71 centimetres to win the under-23 men’s javelin competition on Saturday.

Coached in the UK by David Parker, the throw was an astonishing improvement of more than four metres on his previous best.

Joe Dunderdale (Sheffield & Dearne) made it tough for the young Manxman, improving his season’s best to 74.88s to take the silver medal, with Steve Turnock (Shaftesbury Barnet) taking the bronze with 70.02.

Erika Kelly won the women’s 3,000 metre walk in a time of 13min 50.72sec to secure automatic selection for the England team at the Manchester International at the Regional Arena on August 16.

Kelly finished 1m 44s ahead of Emily Ghose of Tonbridge AC.

Joe Harris would like to thank his coach, David Parker, Isle of Man Sport Aid and SportsAid UK for all their help and support he has received this year.

Fellow Manx Harrier, Alan Corlett, claimed 15th spot in the men’s 3km steeplechase at the same meeting.