VETERAN badminton star Sue Whittaker has been crowned a double European champion just 18 months after returning to serious action.

For Sue picked up gold in both the ladies over 50s singles and doubles and won a silver in the mixed doubles event at the European Veterans Championships held in Bulgaria.

It's been an amazing 18 months for the physical education teacher at Westholme School since returning to open tournaments again.

For Sue is the current National Ladies over 45 champion, the Scottish Masters Ladies Singles over 50 champion and ladies over 45 champion and also holds the All England over 50 mixed doubles title.

Sue has been playing badminton for 35 years and has represented England and Lancashire on many occasions.

Because of her high ranking in this country she was allowed to play in the ladies singles, doubles and mixed doubles events in Bulgaria.

Sue partnered Betty Bartlett from Surrey to beat a top Danish pair 15-2, 15-12 to win the doubles event.

But the pair came face-to-face in the singles final and in a tough three setter, Sue won 4-11, 11-8, 12-9.

However, Sue, partnered by John Gardner from Essex, could not repeat the act in the mixed doubles when Bartlett and John Cocker from Preston won 15-12, 17-14.

England top the medal chart with 21 gold medals ahead of Germany, Austria, Sweden and Denmark. Sue thanked both Blackburn Sports Council, who paid for her travelling expenses, and Westholme School for allowing her time off to represent her country and play in the championships.