APART from Ellie Stevens' comeback success, Derbyshire athletes came back with a clutch of medals from the Northern Indoor Championships in Sheffield, with no less than five other gold medal winners.

Perhaps the most startling performance came from Derby AC's Natalie Shaw, who took her first title in her first crack at the event.

Shaw edged out Amber Valley & Erewash runner Alex Turner by just over a second to win the women's 800m, coming home in 2.16.61.

"Alex took on the pace from the gun and it was a case of sitting in behind," said Shaw.

"I lost a bit of concentration and let a bit of a gap appear on the third lap but, luckily, my strong finish saw me chase her down and overtake her on the final bend to win.

"It was my first Northern Championships, so I'm very pleased with my first title."

Shaw, who will be 25 next week, is now targeting her most successful outdoor season to date.

"I know it is going to be a lot more competitive come the outdoor season and I hope for a good block of training to reduce my 2.12 personal best over the summer," she said.

"Going sub-2.10 is my target, as that would enable me to compete at the national championships and Olympic trials – which would be great in the Olympic year."

At the younger end of the age ranges, Amber Valley's exciting prospect Jethro McGraw raised eyebrows with a brilliant solo run to win the under-15 800m in a new championship best time.

This was McGraw's first competitive race on a full-size indoor track.

He cruised through his heat in 2.11.16 – then was almost 10 seconds faster in the final to take more than a second off the previous best, set by Matlock AC's Josh Moody in 2006.

"Jethro struck the front of the pack in the final in determined style and led from gun to tape," said Amber Valley coach Julie Feeney.

"With no-one to push him on, Jethro pushed himself against the clock over the four laps.

"The crowd sensed that he was on course for a record attempt and he was cheered on loudly throughout."

AV&EAC brought a second gold medal home when Georgina Trace won the under-15 girls' shot with a throw of 9.12m.

Derby's JJ Heath also struck gold, clearing 1.95m to win the under-20 men's high jump, a heartening result for him after an injury-hit 2011 summer.