INGLEBY Barwick sixth former Sarah Loughran has been named Junior Wheelchair Athlete of the Year.

The 17-year-old Stockton Sixth Form College student - pictured right - trains with Cleveland paralympic star Tanni Grey-Thompson and was nominated by her.

Sarah, of Boar Lane, was awarded the national title, by the British Wheelchair Sports Foundation, following good performances at the Commonwealth Invitation Games, the Great North Run, the Great Scottish Run and an international race in Switzerland. She was a novice just 18 months ago.

"I've known Tanni for a couple of years. I was invited to meet her after asking for some coaching tips and we train at each others' homes.

"The Commonwealth Invitation Games was a bit scary. It was held in a big stadium with lots of spectators. I'm used to competing at smaller venues with just my family and a few onlookers. But it was good fun and I overcame my nerves."

Parents Raymond and Maureen and 20-year-old brother Andrew have given good support. "They come to all my races. They're my taxi drivers. Everyone was really pleased when I won this award."

A former Thornaby Community School pupil, she is now studying A-level human biology, English language and information technology. She then hopes to take a media studies degree at Teesside University.