TO achieve a medal in the sporting world is no mean feat but it is becoming quite a habit for one Prestwich ten-year-old.

Sporty Ruth Smith has just notched up her 40th athletic accolade after winning a silver medal in the World Dwarf Games in Toronto, Canada.

The Butterstile CP School pupil, who was born with the growth-stunting condition achondroplasia, recently returned from a trip of a lifetime, only the second time she has been abroad.

Mum Lynn (49) said: "It was a fantastic trip for all of us. Ruth has only ever been to Lapland for a day so this was an adventure for her."

The Smith family, of Shire Hills, which includes dad, Dave (48) and eight-year-old brother Phillip, were all there to cheer on Ruth as one of the 55-strong UK contingent. Despite hoping to win a few more medals, Ruth, who is unlikely to grow taller than 4ft, is far from disappointed with the silver medal she won as a member of the UK's football team.

Lynn said: "Ruth only just missed out on medals in other events as she came fourth in two of her races, and in the discus and shot put. She ran her little heart out but she was up against some bigger girls."

Lynn explained that in Britain there are different sizes of dwarf classification. In the World Games, however, Ruth was competing against athletes who, although they had a growth stunting condition, were much taller than herself.

Lynn said: "I could have wept for her. She did exceptionally well but it exhausted her.

"After completing the athletics events, Ruth was too tired to compete in the swimming. But we are all very pleased that she won a silver medal for football.

"She even fell asleep during the Lion King show a few days later!"

Hailed as a C&A Child of Achievement in 2000 for her enthusiasm for sport, Ruth has competed in every National Dwarf Games since they were first held in 1994.

Even as a toddler she was winning medals and the determined youngster scooped seven more for her efforts in the National Dwarf Games at Birmingham in May.

Ruth is already looking forward to her next challenge which is the indoor bowling Boccia tournament in September.

Lynn said: "She just loves it. She enjoys competing and enjoys winning medals even more!"