ATHLETICS: BECKI Ellis is showing the kind of athletics form which could help her achieve her worldwide targets.

The 18-year-old South Cheshire College student scooped a silver medal as part of the North West College team which finished runners-up in the cross-country section at the British College Sports Championship, Loughborough University.

Now the teenager, who also finished fourth in her individual three-mile race, has ambitions which could take her abroad.

Becki, who also specialises in track events, wants to take up an athletics scholarship in America when her course at the Crewe college is over.

And she aims to qualify for the European U20 Athletics Champion-ships in Kaunas, Lithuania, this summer.

She explained: 'At the moment I'm just keeping my feet firmly on the ground and will see what happens. But I'd love to qualify for the European Championships and have set my sights on going to America, where I've been offered a scholarship.'

Becki, from Tunstall, Stoke-on-Trent, lined up against some of the country's best runners at the British College Championships, which featured sports ranging from athletics to trampolining.

She had won through to the cross-country final after winning her heat at the North West Colleges regional final in Blackburn before Christmas.

The second-year BTEC Sports Development student added: 'I probably went off a bit too fast at the start of the race but, overall, I was pleased with my performance.

'I managed to get into third place in the individual race at one stage but slipped back into fourth spot. However, to win a silver medal as part of the North West team was really satisfying.'

Sports lecturer Dave Brereton said: 'We are really pleased that Becki has done so well because she was up against some of the country's best runners. She has represented South Cheshire College once again in a prestigious race and we are proud of her achievement.'

Three South Cheshire Harriers took part in the recent Wreakin Five-Mile Road Race, at Town Park, Telford. Of 160 finishers, Ron Bonson came in 43rd place in 33 minutes 42 seconds. Mike Cutler (34:47) was 54th and Sheila Bickerton (35:25) finished 62nd.