Seven Ashford AC members have been chosen for the Kent team to compete in the English Schools track and field championships in Sheffield from July 10-11.

Long jumper Dwyte Smith (pictured) from New Romney’s Marsh Academy is the only senior boy to make the squad but there are two representatives each in the other age groups.

In the senior girls’ section, pole vaulter Kara Gibbs (Chatham House) and triple jumper Rachel Hanagan (Canterbury High) will be chasing national titles, while in the intermediate girls’, Eleanor Campbell (Barton Court) is looking for glory in the 200m and Highworth’s multi-talented Caroline Hatley goes in the 300m hurdles.

Two field athletes make up the junior boys’ squad with the Norton Knatchbull duo Tom Snare and Matt Blandford competing in the discus and javelin respectively.

Ashford School’s Grace Nicholls from the Marsh, who recently joined Tonbridge AC, is selected for the senior girls’ 3,000m.