INVICTA East Kent athlete Charlotte Dale produced a courageous performance to lead Britain to a silver medal at the European Cross Country Championships. The 17-year-old picked herself up after a horrendous early fall and battled back to finish fifth in the junior women’s race in Switzerland.

Dale, who was left with cuts on her chin and the top of her leg, was still Britain’s top finisher, and although disappointed at missing out on an individual medal, was delighted with the team silver, behind winners Russia.

Dale, a former Canterbury college student from Whitstable, said: "I was happy to help the team, but it was a little frustrating. I had been feeling very strong and good, but the fall left me with too much to do. It was quite a short race at 3km, and although I sprinted hard to get back into contention it took too much out of me."

She added: “I’m feeling a bit bruised and battered now, but I can still run and train and am looking forward to the World Championships in Dublin in March.”