Baker clinches Spanish silver

Despite being asked to run up an age group, the Bexhill College student came second while competing for England under-20s at an international cross-country in Venta de Banos, northern Spain.

There was a strong field with many of the athletes having just returned from representing Spain at the European Championships in Budapest the week before.

But Baker, who spends much of her training time with Hastings Athletic Club, was pleased with her performance in finishing behind fellow England runner Rebecca Wooton.

She said: “Beating the top Spanish girls on their own soil was very rewarding. The course was a bit different to what we are used to with lots of different terrain and obstacles, but I can’t complain as I came away with a medal.”

January brings the Sussex Championships - where Baker will run in the under-17 age group - and she will again be asked to represent England in the McCain Cross Challenge in Cardiff at the end of the month.