LONGRIDGE ambulant shot putter Millie Forrest insists claiming gold at the Sainsbury’s School Games was the perfect ending to an incredible season.

More than 1,600 talented school children descended on Manchester to compete in 12 sports across four action-packed days as part of the annual event.

Forrest, who was representing England North West, was one of the stars of the show, throwing a personal best 7.24m to win the girls ambulant shot top prize at the Regional Athletics Centre.

And the 18-year-old admitted that winning gold so close to home just made the experience even more special.

“I’m delighted with my gold medal – I didn’t expect it and it’s just a great experience coming here,” said Forrest, who is part of Wigan & District Harriers and Athletics Club.

“I was targeting a personal best but I didn’t think I’d get a medal too! It’s great to achieve it in Manchester, close to where I live, and in this lovely weather.

“My throwing went well – I was very consistent and to finish with my personal best was very good.

“My season has gone very well, I went to the World Junior Games and got a gold medal there too so I wanted to keep my winning performances going.”

The Sainsbury’s School Games is supported by National Lottery funding from Sport England and is delivered by the Youth Sport Trust.

The event has helped to launch the careers of many British athletes, including heptathlete Katarina Johnson-Thompson and Paralympic swimmer Ellie Simmonds who were watching the next generation of British stars coming through this year.

And Forrest has got her sights firmly set on becoming one of the next Sainsbury’s School Games alumni to represent Great Britain at the highest level.

“I’d like to keep improving on my personal bests next season,” added the Longridge High School student.

“I didn’t expect to become this good when I first started so I’m pleased with how everything is going at the moment.

“I’d love to get to the 2016 Paralympics or maybe 2020 if I’m a bit late – they would be an amazing opportunity.”

n The Sainsbury’s 2014 School Games, which is supported by National Lottery funding from Sport England and delivered by the Youth Sport Trust, was held in venues across Manchester from 4-7 September 2014.

Visit www.2014schoolgames.com for more information.