Bridgnorth runner Lauren Draper was on top of the world when she finished second in the Great Wall of China marathon – beating hundreds of others from all over the world. And her podium delight was augmented when boyfriend Alex Cooper proposed to her in style – there and then as she received her medal. Lauren, who runs with Bridgnorth Running Club, was a record holder at Oldbury Wells School, and her records in the 800m and 1500m have only just been broken. “It was the race of a lifetime” Lauren told WW! “and the proposal, well, a moment I will treasure forever.” It was a family affair in China too; dad David was the winning senior in the half marathon, mum Tanya was first senior lady in the 8.5km and fiancé Alex also ran his first – and last – half marathon.

Top jazz group heading to Shropshire
One of the country’s top jazz groups will be performing in Shropshire next month. The Julian Bliss Septet (pictured) takes to the stage at the