DALIS Jones was the star athlete from the west at the Saucony English Cross Country Championships held around Woolaton Park, Nottingham.

The 13-year-old Yate and District AC athlete from Tockington celebrated her debut in the event with a superb silver medal.

“I was aiming for the top ten as it was the first time I had run the event so I am very pleased,” said Dalis.

Dalis, who is coached by Phil Lucker, made a brave bid to win the race hitting the front in the final 600 metres but she could not shake off eventual winner Maisy Luke of Cornwall AC as the pair secured a notable one-two.

Her first national medal is the highlight to date of a fantastic season for the rookie.

She has already won the South-West Inter Counties title in January, was runner-up in the Midland Championships and only last week wrapped up the overall Gloucestershire League title by making it four wins out of four.

She also leads the Gwent League and will look to make it a clean sweep and win the fifth and final fixture in Llanelli on Saturday.