FRANK Beresford is winning an army of admirers for his running performances just three months after leaving the French Foreign Legion.

The 24-year-olds latest impressive performance saw him take fourth place in Boxing Day's Chevin Chase with a time of 40.37.

Now the Otley athlete, who is studying education at Leeds Trinity University, is setting his sights on the 2015 London Marathon.

"I won't be doing so many races as I train for the marathon, but I have my targets set on achieving a sub 2½ hour time in London," said Beresford.

Based in Huby, Beresford has had a run of success since taking up running after ending his five-year-spell in the French Foreign Legion.

"It has been great fun and I have really enjoyed the help I have received at the club from Ian Fisher.

"He's a machine. He just keeps going and has had some great success down the year and it has been such a help having him around," added Bereford.

He also revealed how the huge crowds that thronged the Chevin helped him and his Otley team-mate Scott Harrington come fourth and fifth respectively.

"It was amazing. They were on both sides of the course, ringing bells and cheering on all the competitors. It was like the Tour de France all over again.

"It is such a help when there is support like that out there. It really is a special feeling as a runner and it does spur you on.

"I loved it and it what over sport can you go and compete alongside the best in the world? In running you can and to race alongside Alistair and Jonny Brownlee is special. I wouldn't be able to play against the lines of Lionel Messi or Wayne Rooney at football."