HOLLY Weedall has won a national title in style following a stunning performance in Birmingham.

The Weaverham High School student's swift start in the junior girls' 1,500m final at the English Schools' Track and Field Championships left her rivals trailing at Alexander Stadium.

And they left could not close a gap despite attempting to on the last lap as the Vale Royal Athletics Club member crossed the line in 4:34.65.

The teenager adopted the same strategy that had served her well during a heat on Friday, surging away from the rest of the field in the opening 200 metres and challenging them to go with her.

They did not, and Ruby Simpson (Derby) left herself with too much to do while taking silver in 4:35.36.

It caps a brilliant track campaign for Holly, who followed a victory in the county schools' track and field championships with another at the Mason Trophy inter-counties meet seven days later.

At the latter event she broke a record that had been in place for more than two decades.

The youngster won a bronze medal at last year's national schools' championship - her debut at the annual event - in the same age-group category, racing against older rivals.

She laid a marker for 2019 by winning the first heat on Friday, timing 4:41.91.

However with a personal best of 4:30.55 - set at a Trafford Grand Prix in April - she knew she had more to give.

More to follow