MAKING the Great Britain team for next year's World Championships in Italy is Amber Watson's target, after a dream first year in the sport of mountain running.

The 17-year-old from Dymock admitted she was shocked to be selected for the GB under-20s team this summer after her first ever attempt at the sport.

She explained: "I spoke with my coach Chris Frapwell about taking a break from track running because it was not what I really wanted to do.

"My first mountain run was the GB trial at Witton Park, Blackburn, and I managed to get selected for the World Championships."

Amber flew with the GB team to Tirana in Albania, where she finished a creditable 15th overall. She was the leading GB under-20s performer.

She said: "It was a very tough course with some dangerous descents and the heat was a big factor too because it was 30 degrees.

"Things have happened very fast because I've still only done three mountain runs."

Amber will be turning her focus back to cross-country during the winter. She will still compete in some track events next summer, but success as a mountain runner is now her chief goal.

She added: "I'm quite strong running up hills but not so good running down them, so that's something I've got to work on.

"I train around Robinswood Hill in Gloucester and also in the Malverns.

"I spend most of my spare time running but it's not a burden because I really enjoy it."

Amber's next event will be the Liverpool Cross Challenge in November.