Honor Rendall returned from taking a bronze medal at the European Age Group Championships in Germany to claim triathlon gold in more local surroundings at the Gosfield Triathlon.

The Hedingham School sixth form student from Toppesfield had finished on the podium at the European event the weekend before and showed her class at the Gosfield event by finishing as first female.

It was the first time that the East Region Triathlon Academy member had taken part in the popular local event and she used it as a training exercise.

Starting in brilliant sunshine, Rendall took an early lead in the 750 metre swim and continued to gain distance as she came into transition a clear 100m in front of her nearest rival. The weather quickly turned to heavy rain and although the bike course became hazardous, Rendall maintained her lead and came into the second transition with a five-minute lead.

A steady run then saw her come in as first female overall as well as first junior and seven minutes ahead of the next female competitor.