Ilkley Harriers’ rising star Georgia Malir is feeling on top of the world after an impressive debut for Great Britain.

The 17-year-old was fifth in the junior women’s race at the World Mountain Running Championships in Poland and helped her country to take gold in the team event.

Malir produced an excellent run as she clocked 23:39 for the testing 4.65km course.

Her Harriers team-mate Tom Adams ran in the men’s race where he finished 51st in 1:02:32 over a gruelling 13.56km course.

Malir, who was back at St Mary’s RC School Menston just hours after flying home from Poland to continue her A Level studies in chemistry, biology and mathematics, was thrilled with her weekend’s work.

“It was absoutely brilliant. The course was tough because it was went downhill first and then uphill.

“We are used to racing the other way round so it was hard judging how fast to go on the downhill section.

“I was up the front with my team-mates Annabel Mason and Catriona Graves but on the climb, the Europeans who are better at that, overtook us.

“The route was fantastic and the crowds were so supportive. They cheered for everybody and the noise at the finish was incredible.

“This is something I will remember for a long time and it was great knowing that Ilkley Harriers had two runners in the World Championships.”

Malir is now planning a two-week break from running before preparing for the cross country season.

“If I can improve as much as I did last season it will be amazing,” said the talented but tired Malir