KATE Jacobs is delighted to have been awarded her first England vest.

The 38-year-old Swindon Harrier, who lives in Stratton St Margaret, has been selected for the British & Irish Masters Cross Country International match in Dublin next month.

“To get an England vest for the first time is always the pinnacle and I am very proud and thrilled to achieve that,” said Jacobs.

“When I was younger I did not run competitively as I do now so I have left it late but got there in the end. I am really looking forward to the race and very excited about wearing the vest for the first time.”

Jacobs’ selection for the England squad to take on Ireland, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales comes as a reward after a tremendous summer in which she won the British Masters title at 5,000m on the track.

She also improved her personal best to 17mins 11.39secs over the distance which was the fourth quickest in the country in her over-35 age group.

After an autumn break she returned to action with an emphatic victory in the Cricklade 10k recently to show that she has lost none of her form from the summer – and strengthen her case for selection.

The selectors will have also noted that Jacobs’ track speed should suit the fast conditions in Dublin.

“From what I have seen the course should suit me and hopefully I can do well in the race and there may be other opportunities in the future to wear the England vest,” added Jacobs.

Before the Dublin event on Saturday, November 14, Jacobs revealed she will be lining up for the Stroud half marathon tomorrow.

“I am looking to run inside the qualifying time of 1hr 30mins to guarantee me a place in the London Marathon next year but I won’t make a decision on whether I would run that until January time,” added the Swindon Harrier.