Connor Neal won’t forget his England debut in a hurry.

The 22-year-old from Westgate was called up for international duty after some promising displays this summer and made his bow at the Manchester International last weekend, where he helped the 4x400m relay team to victory in 3min06.53sec.

That win contributed to England’s overall success as the host nation took the bragging rights against Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland and a national league team.

After a slow start to the season due to a hamstring injury, Neal, who trains at Canterbury Academy where he is sponsored by Lifestyle Fitness, and Hartsdown Leisure Centre, where is a Sports Foundation member, ran a personal best 46.60sec in the 400m at Lee Valley in June.

He found more time at the British Championships, which doubled up as the Olympic trials, improving his PB to 46.55 in the 400m heats, coming 10th overall and narrowly missing out on the final.

An impressive summer continued at the England under-23 Championships, where Neal finished second in the 400m final in 47.49 - just 0.02 behind the winner - in adverse weather.

Neal has also been competing around the country this season with Harrow AC in the National Athletics League, helping his club to a second-place finish behind Thames Valley.

“I’m really happy with the way the season turned out, considering I had a recurring hamstring injury throughout winter training,” Neal said.

“I’d like to say a huge thank-you to my coach, Emmanuel Owolabi, who programs my track and gym sessions and has helped me return from injury.

“I’m very grateful also for the support I have received from Lifestyle Fitness and Your Leisure.”