A teenage athlete from Beckington has become the South West's number one pole vaulter in her age group.

Lauren Gale took part in the Somerset Schools Athletics Championships in Yeovil and South West Schools Championships in Exeter, earlier this month, and will now go on to compete at national level.

The 14-year-old, who competes with her athletics club, TeamBath, was contacted after competing and was asked to represent the South West in the English Schools championships in the U17 category in Sheffield next month.

The South West will take a squad of 25 athletes, chosen from 140 junior competitors.

Her personal best currently stands at 3.11m and she is ranked joint 10th in the UK.

Former gymnast Gale said: "I'm really excited about the competition and hope it will be good experience for me.

"Pole vaulting is not the most popular of athletic sports but I really enjoy it, and hopefully I can improve my personal best."

Her coach at TeamBath, Tim Snowdon, said: "It's the first time at these championships and she will attend as the South West Schools U17 Champion, Somerset Schools Champion, and top U17 female vaulter in the South West.

"Her background in gymnastics and trampolining will help her pole vaulting, and it will be a great experience for her.

"The hope is that she gains a top-six place this year."

Lauren, who attends Frome Community College, hopes for a career in athletics.

She added: "I hope to go on to do Physical Education at A Level and degree level.

"I'd like to thank the college for being so supportive with my athletics."