VETERAN triathlete Veronica Squires, 64, who was competing in only her second race, came away with a trophy at the first Vale of Pewsey race on Sunday.

Squires, a grandmother of two from Alton Barnes, won the women’s over 60s section.

Organiser Janet Whiting said: “Veronica really is an inspiration to people who are thinking about taking up triathlons at an older age.

“She did really well and particularly enjoyed the cycling section. She does a lot of work on her bike. You always see her out and about on it.

Squires said: “I really got into triathlon training a year ago when I retired.

“My husband thinks I am a bit mad but he, my two children and my two grandchildren seem to be quite proud of me.”

RAF Lyneham serviceman Christ Stuart, who grew up in Marlborough, was the overall winner of the event.

While Bryn Mayell from Swindon won the men’s over 40s section and Graham Reed from Warminster took the over 50s category.

But competitors came to Pewsey from all over the south of the country to take part in a 400 swim, 27k bike ride and 5k multi terrain run.

Many of the entrants were in their first ever triathlon.

Weena Goh from London, who took part while staying with friends in Alton Barnes, said: “It was a great race with a fantastic atmosphere and a bike route that took in some of the best scenery in Wiltshire.”