VALE Royal Athletics Club will add another name next month to a list of members that have competed on the global stage.

Holly Smith has been selected for England’s team at the International School Sport Federation (ISF) World Schools’ Cross Country Championships in Paris.

It is a reward for the 16-year-old’s performances during the campaign, which includes a runner-up spot in the inter girls’ race at the county schools’ championships.

For her club, the Malbank School student took the Cheshire title in her age-group category before claiming a bronze medal at the regional championships.

She followed that with fourth place in the under 17s girls’ race at the national championships.

Smith also received confirmation this week that she will be part of Cheshire’s line-up for the English Schools’ Cross Country Championships in a fortnight’s time.

Meanwhile the ISF event, which takes place every two years, starts on Monday, April 2.

International School Sport Federation

World Schools’ Cross Country Championships

Monday, April 2 until Saturday, April 7

England girls

Francesca Brint (Greater Manchester, Altrincham Grammar School for Girls) (Club: Sale Harriers)

Ella McNiven (Merseyside, King David High School) (Club: Liverpool Harriers)

Grace Brock (Cornwall, Truro and Penwith College) (Club: Cornwall)

Almi Nerurkar (Sussex, Brighton and Hove High School) (Club: Brighton Phoenix)

Holly Smith (Cheshire, Malbank School) (Club: Vale Royal)

Grace Copeland (Dorset, Queen Elizabeth’s School) (Club: Wimborne)

Team managers
Ann Francis (Staffordshire) and Paul Allison (Nottinghamshire)