ATHLETICS: Two of the district's top athletic clubs have merged in a bid to create a storm in the Midlands.

Kidderminster Running Club and Stourport Athletic Club, now known as the Kidderminster and Stourport Athletic Club, will host their first joint event on Sunday.

They have organised the Brambles Trust 10k Road Race and 5k Fun Run to celebrate the partnership, leaving The Kingsway track, Stourport, at 11am.

Club chiefs wanted to combine Stourport's strong junior section, elite athletes and purpose-built facilities with Kidderminster's impressive senior and veteran set-up as well as their experience at organising road races and social events.

They hope the new outfit, which will cater for all runners, can become a major force in Midlands athletics, including the cross country and road relay race series.

And Stourport will continue its successful promotion of track and field events to all age groups.

Sue Moreton, joint secretary of the new club, said: "It's a good thing for the area.

"With the cross-country season just about to start, both clubs were struggling to make teams and this will mean more members.

"It will also help us on the track in the longer distances.

"We have got to look forward and it was silly to have separate clubs in such a small area."

Kidderminster race organiser Steve Smith added: "It's a hard job at the moment for us to get youngsters involved.

"But the new track at Stourport is an excellent facility to use.

"With Kidderminster just being a road running club previously, we weren't able to attract any youngsters because it's not really safe to have them running on the roads."

The merger idea came about after the two clubs came up against each other in the Birmingham Cross Country League last season.

Now their first joint race on Sunday is already proving popular, especially with local people.

And anyone is welcome on training nights which are on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 6pm onwards at The Kingsway, opposite Stourport High School.