A final sprint to the finish line has paid off for Bede Sixth Form student Laura.

The cross country runner is among those celebrating results day success at the college in Billingham.

Bringing home a triple distinction star after studying a full-time BTEC Level 3 in Sport, the 18-year-old from Acklam said: “It feels really good to come away with such high grades.”

A runner with Billingham Marsh House Harriers, Laura said as well as developing her knowledge and skills, studying at the college has helped to keep her sporting performance on track.

Bede Sixth Form has received national recognition for the support it offers up and coming sporting talent, awarded Dual Career Accredited College status by the Talented Athletes' Scholarship Scheme.

Laura said: "As a Bede student I ended up being able to run for the college at national events."

Representing Bede, she competed against college elite performers in the cross country at the Association of Colleges' Regional Finals at the University of York, and went on to secure a place in the AoC Sport National Championships in Nottingham representing the North-east.

She said: "That was a really good experience."

As an elite young athlete and Bede student the college supported Laura's training with access to strength and conditioning training and physiotherapy. She said: "After a year at the college with access to strength and conditioning and physio I was running at my best. It helps you to develop a lot."

Now off to study sport science at Teesside University, Laura plans to continuing to build her expertise as well as her own coaching skills in the hope of passing on some of what she has learned to others.