COACH Kevin Buttle will be hoping that the recent Wiltshire Track & Field Championships is a good pointer for a successful summer for his training group.

Buttle had nine athletes in action at Tidworth and they amassed a total of 10 medals with Harry Cunningham taking centre stage with a gold medal double in the under 15 boys’ 300m and 800m events, the former clocking a personal best time.

Add in three further medals won by Harrier multi-eventer Ben McIntyre competing at Cheltenham in the Gloucestershire Championships – gold in the under 17 men’s javelin and 400m hurdles plus silver in the 1500m – and it was a cracking weekend for the Buttle boys.

“Everyone in the entire group won a medal and I reckon that is the most successful championships we have ever had,” said Buttle.

“It has been three years in the making really and the lads have worked very hard together and really help and support each other.”

The group ethos is an important pillar of Buttle’s programme since he joined the Harriers’ coaching set-up four years ago following an invite from current chairman Bryan Clinton.

“It is very important,” agreed Buttle.

“These lads come from different schools and different levels but they come together as a group and encourage each other all the time.

“And if they are not having fun and enjoying themselves then they won’t come back. I am very proud of them and they are a special group.”