Basildon Olympic hopeful James Shane got his track season under way at the Loughborough International on Sunday.

Shane ran a 1m 48.15s 800m to finish fourth in a strong A race in Loughborough.

The 1,500m specialist has had a low key build up to the start of Olympic year, with this his first track outing since his debut at the World Championships last September.

The star of the show at Loughborough from a south Essex persepective was arguably Adam Hickey who again served notice of his superb form this summer.

He knocked seven seconds off his 3,000m personal best to finish third in 8m 10.22s.

The time qualifies him for the Olympic trials and AAA Championships in Birmingham next month over 5,000m.

Gemma Kersey, who like Hickey is coached by Eamonn Martin, continued her fine form too, knocking two seconds off her 1,500m PB when finishing fifth in 4m 18.37s.

In the women’s 400m hurdles, Hayley McLean was sixth in 60.04s just ahead of Leigh’s Lauren Bouchard (60.06s).

Hurdles specialist Gianni Frankis had an outing over 100m, clocking 11.08s, while Basildon AC’s Kim Wall ran a 55.99s 400m.

Southend AC duo Markus Hunt and David Smale were also in action.

Hunt ran 48.41s in the A 400m and Smale was just outside in his personal best in the 800m with 1m 53.52s.