LORETO Preparatory School's magnificent seven formed the heart and soul of the North of England's silver medal team in the Independent Schools' Association junior athletics championships in Birmingham.

Spring-loaded high jumper Ella Gillespie and fleet-footed 600 metre runner Aisling McHale were crowned national champions, but it was the strength in depth supplied by the Loreto Prep girls that saw the Northern team's podium success.

Loreto Preparatory School's head of physical education Jan Brett said: “This was a stellar performance from our little stars on a national stage.

"They have been an absolute joy to work with over the last few years; two of the girls are moving on to secondary school and we wish them every success inside and outside the classroom, but luckily we have the other five for another year.”

Pictured from left are: Amira McWilliams, aged 11, from Altrincham, who came fourth in the 80 metres and fourth in the relay; Verity Charnley, aged 10, from Wilmslow, who came seventh in the 600 metres; Aisling McHale, aged 10 from Altrincham, who came first in the 600 metres; Olivia Ikang, aged 10, from Sale, who came second in the relay; Ella Gillespie, aged 10, from Timperley, who came first in the high jump and fourth in the long jump; Orla Gregory, aged 11, from Appleton, who came seventh in the 600 metres and 10-year-old Orla Flynn, from Hale, who came fifth in the rounders ball.