A WOMAN who works near Chester has shone in the World Championship Long Distance Duathlon for Team GB.

Shirley Anderson, 49, finished the punishing event in Zofingen, Switzerland, in nine hours, 16 minutes and 37 seconds and placed sixth in the 45-49 age group.

An advisor at the Inspired Gifford Lea later living community in Tattenhall, she had already proved her mettle in the European Duathlon Championships in Spain in 2017.

She went on to win first and second place in her following two competitions, which bagged her a place in the ITU Powerman Long Distance Duathlon World Championships.

Shirley, who lives in Runcorn, was sponsored by her employers Inspired Villages Group who paid for her travel, accommodation, entry fees and all the important kit.

The gruelling race on Sunday, September 2, saw her take on competitors from Germany, Italy, France, Netherlands, Switzerland, Belgium and USA, and included a six-mile run, 96-mile bike ride, followed by a further 18 mile run.

Jamie Bunce, CEO of Inspired Villages Group, said: “It was an absolute honour to sponsor Shirley as she competed for Team GB in Switzerland.

“She worked tirelessly to reach the World Championships and what she has achieved is outstanding.”