A FITNESS instructor from Runcorn has broken a European Indoor Masters Athletics record just days after his 55th birthday.

Darren Scott, who is a fitness instructor at The Heath Gym in Runcorn, took up athletics when he was 21 and competed at an international level for Scotland.

The instructor became eligible to take part in masters’ competitions when he turned 35 and has won several gold medals and broken records while competing against former Olympic athletes.

On Friday, March 22, Darren won gold once again in the M55 200 metres final at the European Indoor Masters Athletics competition in Torun, Poland.

Darren also broke the European record with an impressive time of 23.95.

Dubbed ‘The Flying Scott’, Darren also won silver medal in the M55 60 metres race while in Torun.

“I have watched Darren training for this event for months, most people will watch him race without realising what dedication he puts into his training but so much happens behind the scenes,” said Mark McGrath, manager of The Heath Gym.

“To have Darren working in the gym is inspirational to our members and we are all delighted for him.”

Darren now has his sights set on winning gold once again at the Masters Athletics World Championship in Gothenburg, Sweden, in August.