IT may be a decade since Stacey Downie climbed onto the podium after winning the UK Under 23s 200 metres crown, but the teacher from West Linton hasn't lost the desire for success.

The 31-year-old is still regarded as one of the country's leading athletes over 200 and 400 metres.

And the former Scottish indoor and outdoor sprint champion has a good pedigree at the historic New Year Spring, having made several finals over the past 15 years.

But it is the supporting Ladies Handicap later this month where she could well return to winning ways.

Stacey is joint back-marker for the 90 metres Ladies sprint at Meadowmill.

And she will be joined on the 16 metres handicap by Scotland's young athlete of the year, Ellie O'Hara from Cardrona.

Peebles twins Samantha (20 metres) and Natasha Turnbull (22 metres) will also be hoping to qualify for the final.

And Innerleithen long jumper Bryony Patterson (20 metres) could also edge her way through the two heats.

Fellow Innerleithen athlete Rianna Sterricks (19.5 metres), who reached the cross ties of last year's main New Year Sprint, could also be in the frame.

A total of 16 athletes will compete for the Ladies Race during this month's New Year Sprint meeting at Meadowmill on Sunday, December 30.