Hertfordshire's boys and girls’ Under-13 teams claimed third and fourth-place finishes respectively at the UK finals of Sportshall Athletics in Manchester on Saturday.

The competition held in Sportcity, Manchester, is in its 24th year, with the Herts teams having both earned the right to compete by winning the East Regional finals in March.

In both regional and UK finals, teams consisted of ten members competing in 12 events before being given an overall ranking.

Marli Jessop, pictured, an 11-year-old pupil at St Joan of Arc School in Rickmansworth, was the youngest member of the girls’ team and won gold in the 4x1 lap relay and bronze in the 4x2 lap relay.

Her mother Lisa, 44, said: “I am super proud of Marli and all her achievements.

“She has made lots of new friends from across Hertfordshire from various athletic clubs so it has been a great experience for her.”

Sportshall puts on various team competitions for schools, providing enjoyable ways for young people to build core skills.