The evening saw some encouraging performances from local stars Tasha Danvers-Smith and Jamie Nieto.

Croydon's Danvers-Smith, 27, finished third in the women's 400m hurdles in a season's fastest of 57.47.

The former Sydney Olympic finalist, still recovering from her post-pregnancy complications following the birth of son Jaden last November, competed in a dramatic race.

Lee McConnell held a clear lead before crashing into the seventh hurdle and Liz Fairs went on to clinch victory in a time of 56.80.

"Tonight has been a success," said Danvers-Smith.

"Two-and-a-half months into training; two months since I last breast-fed my baby and seven months since he was born so this was a great achievement."

Crystal Palace-based American Jamie Nieto was satisfied with second place in the men's high jump. He leaped 2.27m, 3cm behind winner Russia's Vyacheslav Voronin.

Nieto, who is in the US team for the World Championships said: "I should have cleared 2.30m, but it was alright. I was consistent so I am happy with the second-place finish."

It was a case of chasing race favourites Sanya Richards and Mexico's world champion Ana Guevara for Croydon Harriers' Donna Fraser.

The double AAA champion, 32, could only finish fifth in the women's 400m, her last race before the World Championships. Fraser posted a time of 51.41. American Richards won in 50.35.

Fraser said: "My legs felt a bit sore so I just need a rest now before the World Championships."