WEYMOUTH'S Nikki Hamblin will represent England at the Common-wealth Youth Games in Australia later this year.

The 16-year-old Dorchester Athletics Club middle distance runner, who is studying at Millfield School after leaving Wey Valley last June, booked her place in the team by winning the UK Junior Athletics Championships under-17 women's 1,500 metres in Birmingham.

The victory means she will now lead her country's challenge in the event at Bendigo in December.

In front of a big crowd at Alexandra Palace, Hamblin reached the 800 metre mark in 2min 25secs before pulling clear of the rest of the field and crossing the line in a time of 4min 22.41secs.

Close rival Stephanie Twell (4.26.74) of Aldershot finished second with Havering's Katie Richardson (4.29.39) third.

A week earlier Hamblin, already the quickest under-17 in Britain over 800 metres this season, set the fastest time in the UK over 1,500 metres by an under-17 since 1984.

Her effort of 4min 18.45secs at the British Milers' Club/Norwich Union Grand Prix meeting in Glasgow puts her fourth in the all-time UK rankings.

Dorchester Athletics Club endurance coach Nick Nicholson said he was delighted with Hamblin's progress and tipped her to do well Down Under.

He explained: "Nikki passed a true test of character by fighting back from a serious injury before Christmas to make this her greatest season so far.

"She is now the English Schools' and Home Schools' 800 metres' champion and UK 1,500 metres' champion.

"She leads the UK rankings at both distances and won her first Great Britain vest against Australia in July."

He added: "Nikki is now enjoying a well-earned rest but will now start her build-up to the Commonwealths very soon.

"Being selected to run for England in Australia is a marvellous achievement and I know she's really looking forward to the Games. If she remains injury-free then she has a great opportunity to shine at what is a prestigious international event."