A SPORTY teacher is celebrating after winning a medal in an international athletics competition.

Gill Dobson, who teaches at The Hermitage School, Chester-le-Street, County Durham, won a silver medal in the javelin at The World Veterans' Championships in Australia.

Mrs Dobson, 45, of Great Lumley, near Chester-le-Street, returned home from Brisbane on Sunday and was back at school yesterday.

Staff and pupils celebrated her return by organising a surprise presentation by BBC journalist Fergal Keane.

Mr Keane was at the school last night to deliver the second Hermitage Education Lecture and took time to congratulate Mrs Dobson on her success.

She said: "I threw 29.89 metres, which was the worst throw I had done this season, but it was enough on the day.

"I was really pleased to be able to get a medal in a world class event."

She also competed in the heptathlon but finished in fourth place, just missing out on a medal.

The championship, which is open to athletes aged 35 and over, was last staged in Gateshead two years ago, when Mrs Dobson came fifth in the javelin.

Since then, she has moved up from the 40 to 44 year old category to the 45 to 49 age group.

She said: "Everyone at school has been really supportive, especially the head, who has been brilliant about giving me leave of absence.

"It was a fantastic experience and I feel really privileged to have taken part. There was a wonderful atmosphere and sense of camaraderie among the athletes."