REBECCA LONG produced two personal-best performances to finish sixth in the All England Schools National Championships last weekend.

Rebecca, a pupil at Oakbank School, set a new best time of 45.61 seconds to reach the final of the Intermediate Girls 300m hurdles. In the final she reduced her time even more, clipping over half a second off her previous time to finish in 45.15.

Amy Teasdedale took seventh place in the pole vault with a National Entry standard vault of 2.70 metres and her sister, Ella, finished fifth in the senior girls hammer despite throwing slightly below her best. In only her fifth competition in the event she threw 41.59m against much more experienced competition.

Emily Noble was carrying an injury and was unable to reach the final of the 80m intermediate girls hurdles, but if she had been able to reproduce her early season times of 11.43 she would have finished in the top six. She will be competing in the same age group next year and an injury-free winter training programme should see her gain the success her ability warrants.

Coach John Woodcock said: "For all the athletes to be in their top 10 nationally proves that local talent can be nurtured, and with hard work from the athletes and all the people that support them, they can achieve their potential."

n Bradford Airedale Athletics Club and Bradford Council have joined forces to hold a Star Track Athletics Course from July 28 to August 1.

The week long course at Horsfall Athletics Stadium will include a full introduction to athletics and fitness and is over to 6-14 year olds. The course will run from 10am to 1pm each day and will cost £12 for the full week or £2.50 per day. Further information is available from Ray Walker on 01274-604578.

n Picture shows (from left): Rebecca Long, Ella Teasdale and Amy Teasdale