Falmouth teenager Harris Mier produced the race of his life to become the English Schools Cross Country champion at Wollaton Park, Nottingham, on Saturday.

Not only did the he win this prestigious national title, but in doing so he has been selected to run for England in the home international in Scotland on March 19.

Harris becomes the fourth Truro School pupil in recent years to be coached to international honours by coach John Knowles.

It completed a notable schools' hat-trick for Harris, after wins in the Cornwall and South West qualifying events.

At the top of his age group (Junior Boys), and running exceptionally well this year, he should have been one of the favourites but did not get a mention in the pre-race promotional material.

That was soon to change, however, as his 4.5km race got underway on what was a fairly flat, parkland course with just one moderate hill and a few muddy sections.

From an unfavourable ‘pen’ position, Harris got a great start, sprinting 400m to the first ‘hair-pin’ to get into second place.

He soon took the lead and by the end of the first lap he was in front of a group of seven. Harris looked in complete control as the second and final lap developed.

First he broke away with two other runners and then, with 1km to go, he moved up a gear to gradually pull away from them. Harris entered the long finishing straight on his own being cheered on by a large crowd, finally crossing the tape eight seconds ahead of the chasing pack.

Together with Harris, four other Truro School pupils helped the Cornish Intermediate Boys team to an impressive 12th, the highest placed Cornwall team on the day.