Clare, a Weaverham High School pupil, won the Under 15s girls high-jump title with a leap of 1m 57cms at The Don Valley Stadium, Sheffield.

Her coach from Vale Royal Athletics Club, Neil Templeman, said: "She is a credit to the club and proving a great role model to the younger athletes, which is resulting in growing numbers having a go at the jump disciplines."

Clare has not been alone in her success in major competitions for Vale Royal this year.

Woodford High School pupil, Helen Williams, has been excelling in the triple jump.

Helen was also in action at Don Valley on Sunday in only her third major triple jump competition of the season.

Despite that, and despite the fact the 15-year-old was in the Under 17s category, she still managed to finish 8th from 23 entrants with a jump of 10m 93cms.

That jump was just one centimetre short of her personal best.

Neil said: "I don't think Helen realises quite how well she has done this season."

He added: "She has been suffering from a lack of competition in the area.

"She can't enter the English Schools for another year yet.

"But, like Clare, to reach a national final, as they did at the weekend, is absolutely tremendous."

The success is set to continue next year, with 15-year-old Claire Atherton tipped to emerge as a medal winning long jumper for the club.

Neil concluded: "She is an impressive jumper and I expect her to shine next year."

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