ESSEX-born Alice Kinsella claimed the biggest title of her career with beam gold at the European Gymnastics Championships in Szczecin.

The 18-year-old, who is the daughter of Colchester United legend Mark and granddaughter of U’s stalwart and former vice-chairman and director John Schultz, rebounded from a disappointing all-around competition to edge all-around champion Melanie de Jesus dos Santos with a score of 13.566.

Her victory gave Great Britain their second gold medal of the Championships following Max Whitlock's triumph in the men's pommel competition.

Kinsella said: "There is so much going through my head right now - I can't believe it.

"It's been a roller-coaster for me. My all-around competition didn't go to plan but I knew I had today to put that right.

"I was so nervous watching the rest of the girls compete and to come away with our first ever European medal (on beam) feels absolutely amazing."

Although Kinsella moved to Sutton Coldfield as a toddler, she was born in Basildon and her family are from Colchester.

Her potential as a gymnast was spotted by her PE teacher when she was four years old and the sport has been her passion ever since.