STEWARDS Academy student, Danny Raymond struck gold after coming first in the Under-15s Southern England Championships 800 metres.

The champs were held at a blustery Ashford in Kent at the weekend.

Woodford Green athlete eased into the finals with a respectable 2.10.09 on the Saturday.

The final was a tactical race. Danny held his position until the final 50 metres, when he sprinted for victory in a time of 2.07.47.

Danny is trained by veteran coach John Stow who is now targeting the national championships.

John Stow said: “It is now two weeks until the nationals in Bedford.

“This is only Danny’s first year running so we will be taking it easy between now and then.

“He ran a brilliant race on Sunday and deserves all the praise he gets.