A TEENAGER from the region will represent Great Britain in an international sporting competition.

Emily Alderson from Darlington is gearing up to race in the ETU European Triathlon Championships in Austria later this month.

The sports-mad 17-year-old qualified after finishing as the first junior female in the Newbiggin Triathlon in September 2013 when she was just 16.

Miss Alderson is training 18 hours a week ahead of her international debut and is looking forward to the upcoming challenge.

“I’m apprehensive as this is the biggest thing I’ve ever done but I’m excited, it will be a great experience.

“I’ve only been doing triathlons for a year and a half and it’s really exciting to have qualified.”

The Carmel College student added: “I’ve just done my AS Levels and it’s been quite hard fitting everything in, it’s been a really busy time.

“I also broke my wrist at the start of the season so I’ve had to get my fitness levels back but I’m feeling like I could do quite well, depending on the standard of everyone else.”

Miss Alderson sets out for Austria on Wednesday (June 18) accompanied by proud parents and grandmother.

She will compete on Friday, June 20 in the under-20s age group, wearing a GB kit sponsored by Hummersknott Cycle Club.

Any organisations wishing to sponsor Miss Alderson should contact Ian Alderson on 07905 958353.