RAYLEIGH'S Sweyne Park School are celebrating having their own European champion.

Sarah Clifford travelled to Finland having won cups and medals in pole vault competitions in Birmingham, Colchester and Woking during the summer.

And she came up trumps again by taking the gold medal in the Junior Euro-pean Clubs Championships.

There were six other countries taking part: Finland, Estonia, Greece, Switzerland, Portugal and Lithuania.

Said Sarah: "I vaulted three metres which, although not my personal best, was enough to secure me first place."

Sarah was competing for her new club, Shaftesbury Barnet Harriers, and added: "I hope to have lots more of these European Club championships and other major competitions in the future.

"And I am looking for sponsors to help fund my trips away and equipment," she added.

Would-be sponsors can contact Sarah through Paula Brooks at Sweyne Park School on 01268 784721.