DISABILITY has certainly not held back Radcliffe athlete Jackie Wagstaff.

Despite being confined to a wheelchair by spina bifida the determined 30-year-old has returned triumphant from the National German Championships in Hamburg.

She was selected by the British Wheelchair Athletics Association (BWAA) to represent England following an excellent training record last season.

And she lived up to expectations by coming home with a bronze medal.

The administrative assistant for Manchester City Council only joined the BWAA four years ago and participated in her first international competition last year.

Selectors were so impressed with her performance in five events that she was invited to join the national squad for the German trip.

"It was the first time I had been selected by the BWAA to take part in such a high level competition and it is fantastic to come back with a medal. It's been well worth the time and effort which I've had to put into training to get this far," said Jackie, who lives at Ashworth Court.

Councillor Martin Pagel, deputy leader of Manchester City Council, said: "I am extremely impressed by Jackie's achievement. It takes huge commitment and dedication to reach such an impressive athletic level and I warmly congratulate her on her success." Jackie shows off her bronze medal from Hamburg.