WEYMOUTH St Paul’s Harrier Kevin Archer streaked clear to win the South of England Masters Indoor 800m men’s 60+ title by nearly five seconds at the Lee Valley Athletics Centre in London.

After taking up the running at halfway, Archer pulled away from the other seven competitors, including current European 5,000 and 1,500m champion John Skelton, to win in a time of 2m 31.98secs.

Following a slow start to the season through a sprained ankle, the race was Archer’s first indoors this year.

Speaking to Echosport about his triumph, Archer admitted tactics had played a part.

He said: “I was quite pleased because I didn’t push too hard. There’s a few seconds in there hopefully to improve on.

“I was lucky really because somebody went off quite quick and gave me a lead.

“At halfway I felt they were tiring a bit and I thought I’d push on.

“I would have liked a couple more indoor races beforehand but it’s been a slow start because I’ve had this ankle problem.

“If it’s not one thing, it’s another!

“It was my fault, I sprained it and tried to come back too soon, but I was doing quite a bit of swimming to try and maintain my fitness.”

Archer now hopes to compete for the South West in the British Masters Championships on Saturday, March 10.