LORETO Grammar School athlete Harriet Knowles Jones performed with distinction is her first outing in a Great Britain vest.

Competing for G.B. in the BUPA Great Edinburgh Cross Country run at Hollyrood Park against teams from USA, Continental Europe and various Scottish clubs, Harriet came home in fifth place out of 40 runners, even though at the age of 15 she was easily the youngest competitor in an under-20 event.

Harriet said: “It was a great experience and a bit different to anything I have experienced before, not least that we stayed in a posh hotel and were given quite a lot of kit.”

Harriet, 15, from Lymm, who trains with Warrington Athletics Club, added: “My ambition is to become a full international and I have to say it's the sort of treatment I'd like to get used to.”

A talented academic as well as brilliant runner, Harriet completes her GCSEs this year at the Altrincham school and wants to study mathematics or the sciences at university.

Harriet said: “At the moment I am considering Loughborough which has a world class reputation for sport or Manchester which is of course near to my home and club.”

She completes five specialist training sessions each week, combining running around Tatton Park and fitness sessions.

She added: “The moment you put on a GB vest your expectations of yourself go up and it's a great motivation.”

Loreto Grammar School head of physical education, Catherine Ball, said: “Harriet is a hugely popular young woman and one of the most talented young athletes we have seen at Loreto. Everyone is hoping she can realise her great potential.”