JENNA Blundell is celebrating her selection to represent England at the World Schools Track & Field Championships in Croatia next month.

The 17-year-old, from Staverton, has been named in an elite 10-strong team – five girls and five boys – for the event taking place in Split from May 13-19 and will tackle both the 100m hurdles and the long jump.

“The news is just so amazing,” said Blundell.

“It was great to win my first GB vest indoors at home, but this will be my first international championships abroad and I have never been to Europe before either.

“It will be a great experience and hopefully a stepping stone to further success this summer.”

Selection for the GB team to compete at the European U20 Championships in Sweden during the summer remains Blundell’s top priority, but there is no doubt that the World Schools invite is a huge bonus.

Blundell, a former student at St Laurence School in Bradford on Avon, added: “I knew I had made a shortlist for selection, but it was never clear how many athletes would be selected or if there would be funding.

“To be honest, I didn’t realise what a big deal it was until I saw a list of the countries competing, but it is going to be a big competition and good practice for me as I also try to make the Europeans.”

Blundell will tackle the two individual events in Croatia, but is still hoping to make an impact in multi-events this season and will open her campaign on April 27 at the Somerset Schools & Open Combined Events Championships at Millfield School.