Barnham schoolgirl Lucy Thraves ran for her country at a top European event.

The competition is held annually between England, Holland, Germany and Belgium, spanning age groups from 13 to 60-plus.

Lucy, a Year 8 student at St Philip Howard High School, was selected after performing consistently well at three selection races.

She joined 41 England team-mates to compete in a forest near Eindhoven in Holland.

Lucy navigated her way successfully from control to control through a 3.6km course in 36min 35sec and helped England to victory.

She said: "The best thing about orienteering is the sensation you get from knowing you've run and navigated to the best of your abilities.

"I also love the atmosphere at team events, when everyone is cheering and supporting each other.

"Nothing can beat standing on the podium, though, feeling like you've deserved the medal that hangs around your neck.

"I felt really honoured to have been selected for England, and lost no time at all in telling everyone about it."

Lucy runs regularly with Sussex club Southdowns Orienteers, who hold open events for all the family on Saturday mornings.

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