GOLDEN GIRL: Sixteen-year-old Sarah Deacon is all smiles after winning two gold medals in the Essex County Track and Field Championship.

Sarah, of Barberry Close, Harold Hill, attends Redden Court School and trains with Havering Mayesbrook Athletics Club.

She won her two gold medals, for the U17 discus and hammer-throwing events, in the first major competition she has taken part in.

Proud head teacher Peter Townrow said: "Sarah is a very keen athlete and trains hard so she thoroughly deserves this success. Gaining one gold medal in her first major event is an exceptional achievement. To gain two is just incredible. We are very proud of her."

Converted for the new archive on 19 November 2001. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.