TALENTED young athlete Ashley Maddison did the region proud when she competed against youngsters a year older than herself in a national contest.

The 13-year-old took part in the year nine discus event at the All-England Schools Athletics Championships last week, despite still being a year eight student.

As reported earlier this month, Ashley stormed to victory in the district, county and northern rounds to qualify for the national meeting, which she expected to be little more than practice for 2003.

Yet Ashley, of Parkside, Spennymoor, managed to finish eighth overall.

Headteacher at Tudhoe Grange Comprehensive School, Barry Coleman, said: "Ashley has made a great achievement and we are all very proud and wish her luck in the future."

Assistant head of the lower school, Judith Biddulph, said: "Eighth place was brilliant, especially as she was competing against older girls."