Bobby Clay said she is “over the moon” after qualifying for the 1,500m final at the World Youth Championships in Ukraine this weekend.

The 16-year-old Wingham star battled soaring temperatures in Donetsk on Wednesday to qualify fourth from her heat in a time of 4 minutes 21.18seconds – almost three seconds outside her personal best.

The Invicta East Kent AC prospect – who was one of the youngest in the field – said: “It was hot but I’m over the moon that I’ve qualified for the final.

“I know that I can do that final lap quicker, which is a nice thought to have."

The final takes place on Saturday.

Meanwhile, Clay’s 17-year-old sister Alex Clay has been added to the GB squad for the European Junior Championships in Rieti, Italy, next week.

She will run the 5,000m alongside Invicta East Kent team-mate Rebecca Weston, from Blean, on Sunday afternoon.