A STUNNING debut performance saw Dorset prove its mettle as it greeted top athletes from around the world in the UK's official Ironman world championship qualifier.

Sherborne Castle and the surrounding countryside was the perfect host yesterday as thousands of sports fans descended on the area to enjoy the Gatorade Half Ironman UK Triathlon.

Some 1,250 entrants from 23 different countries tackled the strength-sapping course, involving a 1.2-mile swim, a 56-mile cycle route and a half-marathon 13-mile run, with places in the world championships in Hawaii up for grabs.

It was the first time the qualifier had been held in Dorset, and things got off to a murky start when mist on the lake forced an hour's delay in the 7am start time.

But once the scorching sunshine burst through, the event swung into top gear, with an estimated 10,000 crowd at the castle site and many more lining the course route to cheer on the competitors.

First home in the men's race was Sweden's Bjorn Andersson, in a time of three hours, 51 minutes and 35 seconds.

And Scandinavia also triumphed in the women's section of the event, with Lisbeth Kristensen of Denmark finishing first in a time of four hours, 20 minutes and 50 seconds.

But for many spectators, the greatest achievement of the day was claimed by terminal cancer sufferer Jane Tomlinson.

Despite fears for her health, the brave 38-year-old from Leeds completed the gruelling course in less than seven hours, adding thousands of pounds to the £337,000 she has already raised for cancer charities at other sporting challenges.

The triathlon was also expected to generate millions of pounds for the local economy, and organisers are hoping it will become a permanent fixture in North Dorset.

"It really was the ideal location for the contest - a historic setting, great scenery, lots of holiday-makers, a great atmosphere and some extraordinary weather," said spokesman Ryan Bowd.

"We were thrilled, and would like to return here for many years to come."