Four Kent youngsters have qualified for the World Biathle Championships in South Africa later this year after excelling in the European Championships at the Watersports Centre, in Salford over the weekend.

Grace Nicholls, 16, and her brothers Max (12) and Euan (10) all finished runners-up in their age groups in the event which incorporates a swimming stage sandwiched between two runs.

The trio were joined at Salford by fellow Ashford AC member Ben Walsh (15), who also finished second in his age group to qualify for the GB team going to the World Championships in Cape Town on November 1.

The Nicholls children live at Ivychurch, near Romney and all attend Ashford School, while Walsh, from Ashford is a pupil at Sutton Valence School.