A TALENTED young athlete will compete against youngsters a year older than herself after storming to victory in three qualifying competitions.

Ashley Maddison will take part in the year nine discus event at the All-England School Athletics Championships next week, despite still being only a year eight student.

The 13-year-old is so far ahead of her own year group that she easily progressed through the district, county and northern rounds.

She won each event with throws of about 34 metres. The qualifying distance was 27 metres.

Ashley, of Parkside, Spennymoor, knows next week's national meeting will be a tough challenge, but she hopes it will be good practice for 2003.

She said: "I was never really into athletics until I started Tudhoe Grange Comprehensive School, then seemed to do well at throwing events.

"I was really pleased to do well in the local rounds and I am pleased to represent the area in the All-England. I don't expect to win anything, but it will prepare me for next year."

Ashley, a member of Gateshead Harriers athletics club, said the best training has come from her father, Clive, a runner and triple jumper.

She said: "The school and club have been great, but so far I have thrown my best distances with dad. My personal best is 36.10 metres.

"Now that I am getting specialist discus coaching and training with other throwers my technique should get better, and I can hope to improve.

" It is a big ambition, but I'd love to represent the country maybe one day."

Tudhoe Grange headteacher Barry Coleman said: "Ashley has made a great achievement and we're all very proud.