VICKY Gill, making her international debut, helped the Great Britain team to 10th place in the Yokohama International Women's Ekiden.

Running the third leg of the Japanese relay over the marathon distance, she clocked 19.42, the fifth fastest time for the 6K stage.

She said: This was my first GB trip, so I was really nervous at the start. I started off quite fast, then settled into a pace and began to close down on the runners in front.

"The race was over quickly because I was feeling good and there was a great crowd cheering us on."

Afterwards GB team manager Chris Parker was full of praise for the squad and Chorley Harrier Vicky in particular.

"Tenth place was good, given the standard of opposition and the fact that there were three debuts.

"Vicky's fifth place was highly creditable considering she has only been competing in mainstream athletics for a few months.

"She tells me that competition makes her nervous -- I want to be there when she conquers her nerves and reaches her full potential."

The Lancashire Cross Country Champion has now returned to University in Scotland. Despite her tiring trip, she is training hard.

This week she has been doing interval sessions on a snow covered beach which she has found tough, but she thrives on hard work and regularly runs 100 miles a week.

She has accepted an invitation to run in the women's elite 5M at Balmoral over Easter, an event which is due to be televised. The accommodation and travel will be provided which is much appreciated by Vicky who struggles to meet the cost of her athletics as a student.

Chorley coach Rick Bennett is hoping a local firm will come forward to sponsor her. "Viga were superb when Katie Ingram won the English Fell Championship and I'm sure a sponsor would get good value from helping Vicky. All she needs is a little assistance for kit and travel." Rick can be contacted on 01257 270506.