The 12-year-old Bromley Athletic Club runner covered the last three miles of the full marathon course in 16 minutes 20 seconds to edge out rival Lindsey Snow in a sprint finish and retain the title she won last year.

And super-fit Ella, who goes to Hayes School, is not just limited to running - she also competes for Beckenham Swimming Club and specialises in breastroke.

Proud mum Nicola was there to see her daughter hold on to the title and said: "It was a really good race and Ella and Nicola battled it out until the finishing line. We are all extremely proud of her."

Ella is unbeaten in Kent cross-country races this year and finished fourth in the national cross-country finals. Her interest in running began at primary school cross-country races and she has not looked back since.

Former Great Britain Olympic star Diana Mantoura and a past president of Bromley AC, said: "Ella deserves all the success she is getting because she is a lovely, unassuming girl and is going to be one to look out for in biathlon events."

The Bromley team was assembled with runners picked from Blackheath Harriers, Bromley Athletic Club and local schools.

Tina Slater, organiser of the Bromley borough squad, said: "All our athletes put in tremendous efforts and they should all be very proud of themselves. And for Bromley to finish second in the overall team event is a real achievement."

If you would like details of how to get involved in running, whether at competition standard of just to keep fit, plus information on the availability of local athletic clubs, call Tina Slater at Bromley's sports and development team on 020 8313 4706.

If it is Bromley Athletic Club you are interested in, call secretary Barbara Ganly on 01689 870469.