ELLESMERE proved to be a great place for a race on Sunday, with the Shropshire Triathlon taking place through the towns roads and parks.

Competitors ran and cycled only, with the event being reduced to a duathlon because of a toxic-algae bloom in the mere, which prevented any swimming from taking place.

But despite this late change to event proceedings, hundreds of competitors were still able to undertake the race distance of their choice, with the swim being replaced by a 5K run.

Overall winner was Tom Bill, from TB Triathlon, and he was delighted with the result, despite the lack of a swimming segment.

He said on social media after the race: "Thrilled to take the win at Shropshire Olympic distance this morning.

"Slight change of plan with the swim cancelled and swapped for a 5K run, but hey I’m a duathlete now.

"A 5K run, 40K bike and 10K run, with overall time of one hour and 52 minutes.

"I’ve been working hard on my run so really pleased with this result, amazing to see Zoe Marriott and my daughter Willow at the finish line.

"Disappointed with just the one bag of porridge this year!

"It was great to see other TB Triathlon athletes smashing it at Ellesmere, they were all looking great."