RYEDALE athlete Nathan Smith scooped a superb individual bronze medal and team gold in his first appearance in an England vest.

Smith, a pupil at Ryedale School and competing for England under-17s, ran the race of his life at the Mountain Running Junior Home International in Wales.

Over a challenging course which saw the athletes gain 230 metres in elevation then endure a punishing descent on forest trails, Smith clocked a podium place, with team-mate Alfie Thompson gaining gold,

Their success helped England’s junior starlets successfully defend the overall team title they won in Ireland last year as they topped the team standings in three out of the four races.

Spencer Duval, England Athletics' national coach mentor lead for endurance, said: "These were excellent results - well done to all."

Smith gained selection after coming second overall after the six races in the Fell Runners Association (FRA) series.

Some of his training during the summer took place at altitude, including a race up Mount Washington in Canada.

Smith, who trains with City of York Athletic Club, was awarded the Hetherton Cup for his achievements and he is also the National FRA Uphill champion and Yorkshire champion.

This followed back-to-back success in the Junior Great North Run when he raced to another bronze place.

Currently ranked in the top 10 in his age group nationally, Smith is also a keen triathlete and, alongside felloe Ryedale School pupils Tyler and Elliot Hutchinson, has gained one of the coveted places in the Yorkshire Triathlon Academy sponsored by the Brownlee Foundation.