TRUE grit Altrincham and District cross country champion Henry Sinclair has a a never say die mantra that pushes him to the finish line.

The Altrincham Preparatory School sporting all rounder won all three races in the annual under-11 winter challenge at John Legh Park to lift the local title competing against over 100 runners from schools across the town.

Henry, 11, from Bowdon, said: “You just have to keep going, encourage yourself, talk to yourself and tell yourself there is no stopping and never any thought of turning back.”

Head of physical education Nigel Birch said: “Successful cross country running demands a very high level of determination and sheer grit. That strength of character and never say die attitude feeds into all the other sports our boys play and can be seen on the football pitch, rugby pitch and hockey field as well as through the mud of John Legh Park. Henry is just that sort of young man and is a key member of many of our teams.”

Henry said Mo Farrah is one of his idols and he wants to be a professional footballer.