The Hartlepool athlete struck gold at the 2008 Sainsbury's English Schools Track & Field Championships and now is looking forward to representing her country.

Kayleigh won the Intermediate (Under17) girls hammer competition at Gateshead with a huge throw of 46.75 metres at Gateshead International Stadium.

The Manor College of Technology student became the first Hartlepool girl for 40 years to become an English Schools champion and now she will throw for England in the British Schools Championship at Bedford on Saturday.

PE teacher Martyn Gordon was delighted at the 16-year-old's achievement and predicts many more successes to come.

"I am massively proud of her," he said.

"Kayleigh is an all-round sportswoman and a great ambassador for the school in what she does.

"It really couldn't happen to a nicer girl and she isn't just athletic but academic as well and is also head girl of the school.

"Kayleigh deserves all her success and it's fantastic not only for the school but for the town.

"She has shown great dedication and travels to Middlesbrough three times a week where Brian Walsh and Michelle Sullivan provide technical coaching."

Kayleigh's win at Gateshead follows her championship-winning throw at the Cleveland Schools Championship which joins her growing list of awards – the teenager has been the number one ranked thrower all year.

Her next opportunity to shine is at Bedford, where she will wear the England vest.

"She's throwing for England at the weekend at the British International and I think this is the first stepping stone," added Gordon.

"Everyone involved has seen her talent."

The exciting young sports star, who is now looking TO surpass the 50-metre mark, said she was "excited" about her future as well the gold medal.

She said: "It's good, it really hasn't had time to sink in yet."