A young Otley runner will represent England for the first time this weekend.

Reigning Yorkshire, Northern, Northern Indoor and UK Inter-County 1500m Champion Racheal Bamford will be racing for her country in the Elan Meeting in Bratislava on Sunday.

Racheal, who is also an artist whose works have been displayed at Otley’s The Old Grammar School Gallery, is being sponsored by local gym Club Energy.

The 24-year-old said: “This will be my first time representing England and I can’t wait. I have been training at Club Energy for years, initially going with my mum to circuit classes and later to spining classes. Pat Cowdell, the owner, has always been very supportive and gives excellent advice regarding weights training and nutrition.”

Coached by former GB International runner Mike Baxter, Racheal, a member of Leeds City Athletic Club, specialises in the 800m and 1500m disciplines.

Last weekend she won the senior women’s 1500m at the Northern Indoor championships and also finished second in the 800m.

After Bratislava she will be competing in the UK Indoor Championships and World Trials, at the start of February, in Sheffield.