On a sunny day, the southwestern corner of our neighbouring island can seem more Mediterranean than it is Atlantic. Dean Van Nguyen visits a place that holds itself apart from the rest of the inhabitants of England.

More than a month has passed since the European Championships in Zurich, but for World Champion walker Rob Heffernan, the memory of his withdrawal from the 50km final is still vivid and painful.

The best laid plans of mice and men oft go awry. Robert Heffernan had only one plan in the 50km race walk on the streets of Zurich yesterday: to win gold.

World champion Rob Heffernan succumbed with 10 kilometres remaining of the men’s 50k walk at the European Athletics Championships in Zurich this morning.