A young athlete won a silver medal in a world-class competition.

Portia Nicholas-Jago, 15, came second in the Maccabiah Games junior netball final as part of Team GB.

The team travelled to Israel to compete in the world's third largest sporting event last week.

Yavneh college pupil Portia said: "The standard of playing was really high, and the crowds were really big, it felt different to playing on a regular Sunday.

"I made friends with people not just on my team but from the rest of the world who I will be in contact with for the rest of my life.

"I'm so grateful I have had this opportunity, and I am looking forward to playing and coaching in the future.”

The side competed against teams from Israel, South Africa and Australia at the event.

Portia added: “It was amazing to play against people from other countries, because they move in a different way and tactically they look at the sport from another perspective.

“I used to do swimming but I 100 per cent prefer netball because I love being part of a team.”

Portia has already been training again at school and is looking forward to her new role as junior coach for the JNA netballing group.

Mother Hayley said: “I am so proud of everything she has achieved.

“As a mum you want your kids to do well and be happy but to see her, particularly a girl, playing sport at such a high standard, it is just great.

“She has made friends for life, and has had an incredible opportunity that you do not get often anymore.”