A NINE-year-old schoolgirl has struck gold at a county Biathlon competition.

Issy Nicholls, a Year Four pupil at Helmsley Community Primary School, finished first in the Yorkshire Region Schools Biathlon Championship for her age group.

PE subject leader Ryan Jacobs, said Issy qualified via the Ryedale area competition, where she also won also first place, to take part in the final at Driffield Leisure Centre organised by Pentathlon GB.

"The next stage of this combined run and swim points competition is at St Margaret's School, Escrick in October, where there is the opportunity for Issy to qualify for the National Schools Biathlon Championship," he added.

"The school are incredibly proud of her efforts. Good Luck Issy."