ACCRINGTON middle-distance ace Leigh Lennon claimed Aviva English Track and Field School Championship gold at the weekend and then immediately turned her attentions to Serbia later this month.

The 18-year-old was told by UK Athletics’ selectors prior to her 800m final that only gold would do if she wanted to win a Team GB berth for this month’s European Junior Championships in Novi Sad.

Lennon had finished on the podium in three of her last four appearances at the English Schools but prior to the weekend had yet to climb on to the top step.

The Lancashire teenager, who took gold in a time of 2.08.12 minutes, beating Loulou Rowlands and Cally Read into second and third places respectively, must now wait for UKA officials to officially confirm her participation in Novi Sad later this morning.

“It was quite difficult for me because I was quite nervous going into the race because I had a lot of pressure on me,” said Lennon.

“I spoke to the selectors after the AAA’s and they said to me I had to improve and come and win the race here.

“I should be going to Serbia now but I have got to wait until Monday.

“I was pleased with the race because I went out on my own from the start because I knew I had to win.

“I wouldn’t normally do that because normally I might wait a little bit but because I knew I had to win I had to push.”

Double Olympic gold medallist Dame Kelly Holmes, who acts as a mentor for Lennon after selecting the Accrington youngster to join her Aviva-funded on Camp with Kelly initiative, hailed the teenager’s performance.

“Leigh was feeling the pressure and if you analysed her race she probably went off a little bit too fast,” said Lennon.

“She didn’t need to do that because she has a lot of speed but it was nervous energy and anticipation and fortunately it worked out for her.

l The Aviva English Schools Track & Field Championships is part of Aviva’s commitment to giving every child in the UK the opportunity to get involved in athletics by 2012. For more information go to aviva.co.uk/athletics