RUNNER Helen Glover has returned to England after putting in a sterling performance on her international debut in Germany.

Running in the fell race event at the European Junior Games 15-year-old Helen completed a four mile course in the village of Sasbachwalden in the Black Forest.

From a field of 90 runners, from 30 countries, Helen came ninth in gruelling race and the led the England team to victory.

Oakbank coach Will Smith, who accompanied Helen on her trip, said: "Helen thinks she could have done better but she has done remarkably well to finish in the top ten in her first international race. The course was very tough."

The England girls' team won the European championships and the boys' team came second.