KENT'S Charlotte Dale has received an early 21st birthday present after being named in the Great Britain squad for the world cross country championships at St Galmier in France later this month.

It’s the first senior international call-up, for the former European junior champion from Whitstable, and reward for finishing runner-up at the Reebok UK Inter-Counties 8k event at Woolaton Park in Nottingham last week, which also doubled as the world trials.

dale was just six seconds behind Hayley Yelling, who was 30 seconds ahead of her at the National Championships in Birmingham last month.

Paula Radcliffe withdrew from the squad, deciding against a tilt at a third world title to concentrate on preparing for next month’s London Marathon.

Dale, who celebrates her coming of age on March 23 said: "I knew that finishing in the top two would guarantee automatic selection. It will be my first time in the senior race, and I will go there with nothing expected of me, and meaning to enjoy the race. It will be a good experience for me."

Dale finished in 28 minutes 12 seconds on Saturday, pipped in a thrilling three way finish involving Yelling and last year’s winner Kathy Butler who was third.

Dale was on Yelling’s shoulder at halfway, before taking the lead on the steep hill going into the final lap. She lead by five metres at one stage, before the final turn into the long run for home, and Yelling timed her move to the front 90 seconds from the line, and passed Dale to become the first athlete to hold European, English and UK titles at the same time. She was full of praise for Dale's performance saying: "I thought she ran brilliantly."

Dale added: "I was pleased with the way things went, although it was quite muddy, cold and wet, I felt the pace was very good and comfortable. I think I might have taken the lead a bit too soon, and that is down to a lack of experience on my behalf."

Dale, now back living in Whitstable, after completing her studies at St Mary’s College at Twickenham, wasn’t short of family support in Nottingham. A place in the European Under-23 championships is her major track target for the season, and she plans to run in a few 10k events as part of her preparations.