POOLE Runners veteran Ian Barnes is "absolutely ecstatic" after being called up to run for England in the British and Irish Masters' Championship in Belfast.

The 60-year-old butcher from Winton will be aiming to make it a hat-trick of team medals for his country at Stormont Estate on Saturday.

Barnes, who works at Allans Bacon & Cheese delicatessen in Southbourne Grove, said: "I've run for England twice before and will be trying to do something special again this time.

"I ran for England at over-50 and over-55 level, both times at Ballymenu in Northern Ireland, and it's funny because there has always been a five-year gap between my call ups.

"Each time I didn't get anything in the individual classes but was second scorer in the England team and we won gold on both occasions. So I'm looking for a hat-trick of gold medals over there."

Barnes added: "To qualify we had to run five kilometres, five miles and 10 kilometres in a quick time.

"I also had to do one national qualification championship race where I did 10 kilometres in 37 mins 15 seconds at Newtown in North Wales where I came third.

"I'm absolutely ecstatic to be selected. I think there is nothing better.

"We don't get financed at all. We have to fund our airfares, hotel bills and kit apart from our vest.

"The main thing is to be able to pull on that vest for your country. It is the greatest feeling in the world.

"It's like if you are a footballer being picked for England."

Barnes will line up in the veterans' race featuring runners aged 40 and over, but he will be competing in the over-60s category.

Mark Hargreaves, of Bournemouth Athletic Club, also runs for England in the over-45 event.