CAM-BASED runner Hattie Dent has been awarded with her first England vest for 400m hurdles.

Yate AC member Dent gained the honour of running for her country by taking gold at the recent Midland Championships in Birmingham.

The 17-year-old ran for the England Midlands under-20 squad at Cardiff International last week and finished seventh.

Although she didn’t run to her full ability she thoroughly enjoyed the experience and been inspired to strive for re-selection.

The former Rednock School pupil, who is currently studying at South Gloucestershire and Stroud College has next season to improve on this year’s rankings in the under-20 age group.

Dent has also won gold at the College Championship in Gateshead, been crowned Avon Champion and took silver in the South West Championships this year as well as representing her new school county of Avon in the English School Championships.

She trains very hard up to five times a week , twice at Yate and three times at Bristol Athletics Academy in Filton, with the help of coaches Mike Rimmer, Sandra Woodman and Andrea Locke.