SCHOOLS' athletics star Hannah Warburton has crowned a sparkling cross-country season winning an England team gold medal.

For the 13-years-old Bedford High School pupil and Leigh Harrier Saturday was a day to remember when she pulled on her first international vest.

Representing the English Schools against the cream of Great Britain runners Hannah was one of only two Greater Manchester athletes in the squad.

Lining up against the best 32 U15 years old girls from England, Ireland Scotland and Wales in Ayr, Scotland, Hannah had the worst possible start.

She was knocked to the back of the field as the gun went, but in driving rain worked her way back into 10th place going into the finish of the 3000m course.

With every athlete sprinting for the line Hannah finished in 15th place to help her team to victory.

In an outstanding season county champion Hannah has also finished second in the national and eighth in the English Schools -- against girls older than herself.