oxfordshire’s Hannah England just missed out on a hat-trick of wins in the Great North City Games over the weekend.

The Oxford City athlete and World Championship silver medallist finished second to American Brenda Martinez in the women’s mile race after a thrilling finish.

England kicked for home early, and it looked as though she would hold on.

But Martinez’s late burst brought her through in the final 100m to win in 4mins 34.99secs, with England next best with a time of 4.35.56.

Lawrence Clarke, who lives at Christmas Common, near Watlington, came third in the men’s 110m hurdles.

Clarke was alongside reigning world champion and Olympic silver medallist Jason Richardson after six hurdles, but could do nothing as the American burst clear for victory.

Richardson won in 13.41secs, with Clarke (13.57) pipped to second spot by Ryan Wilson.

“I got an amazing start, but these guys got ahead of me at the back end,” said Clarke.