STROUD’S Jennie Batten has targeted international success after another dominant display on home soil as she took Aviva English Schools’ Track and Field Championship gold in Birmingham, writes Ben Baker.

The 17-year-old from Bisley won her fourth successive title at the Alexander Stadium as she took the 200m crown in 24.38 seconds.

It caps 12 months of glory for the Stroud High School for Girls pupil, who won the sprint double at the European Youth Olympic Festival in Finland and the UK School Games title at the back end of the 2009 season.

But with the World Junior Championships in Canada on the horizon, Batten insists the best is yet to come.

"I wanted a good run-out before Canada and this has been just that. It is a good little boost before I leave and I can now head there as English Schools’ champion which is brilliant," said Batten.

"I am really happy with the gold medal because even though I was expecting it coming into the race with the fastest time, it is always nice to carry that through and know that you can handle that little bit of pressure.

"I am definitely more excited than nervous about getting out to Canada and racing against some of the best in the world at my age but I am sure the nerves will kick in when I do get out there.

"I am going as part of the 100m relay squad so I haven’t actually set myself a firm target but I am just hoping of getting a good run out and hopefully I proved here that I can do just that."

Despite being weighed down by the favourites tag in Birmingham, Batten was in cruise control comfortably taking victory in her heat in a time of 24.46 seconds.

And Batten – under the watchful eye of double Olympic champion Dame Kelly Holmes – made no mistake in the final as she edged out Surrey’s Twinelle Hopeson and Hampshire’s Amy Allcock into silver and bronze respectively.

"Even though this is my fourth time of being named champion the feeling is still great and I am so happy that I have won it again," added Batten.

"There was pressure coming here as a three-time winner and everyone was looking at me to make it four so it is brilliant that I have been able to do that.

"With Dame Kelly Holmes watching on it adds that little bit of pressure but I am just glad that I was able to put in a good performance in front of her.

"All in all this weekend has gone really well and I now can’t wait to get on the plane to Canada and do the same out there."

Other Stroud results: Ben Coldray 7th, U19 400m Joel Clutterbuck semi finalist. U17B 1500m final Tom Purnell 5th, U17G 1500m final Amber Watson 5th, U17B 800m William Paulson Semi Finalist, U17G 800m Imogen Briscoe first round.

u THE Aviva English Schools Track & Field Championships is part of Aviva’s commitment to giving every child in the UK the opportunity to get involved in athletics by 2012. For more information go to aviva.co.uk/athletics