ILFORD S Steve Allen retained his title as London Post Office walking champion on Saturday, after completing six twisting circuits of the Clerkenwell streets. Although no longer a postman, Allen still had to don a postman s uniform and cap to fulfil the e

ILFORD'S Steve Allen retained his title as London Post Office walking champion on Saturday, after completing six twisting circuits of the Clerkenwell streets.

Although no longer a postman, Allen still had to don a postman's uniform and cap to fulfil the entry requirements for the six-mile race.

The Ilford walker was relatively untroubled as he won the event by a distance, with a time of 55 minutes 25 seconds, despite carrying an injury which he made light of.

Ilford's Micky Sutton came third in 59.20, and would certainly have fared better had he not suffered illness in mid-race.

The heat took its toll on an athlete who was racing for only the second time since completing the UK 100 Miles Championship in July.

Ilford's walking captain, Dave Sharpe, clocked 59.10, finishing just ahead of Sutton, but as he'd entered only as a guest competitor, he was not eligible for the awards.

The race started from the giant Mount Pleasant sorting office, for the 48th staging of this long-established sporting contest.