Fourteen-year-old Silsden schoolgirl Danielle Whitham is on a mission next year.

The South Craven School pupil aims to retain her Auto Cycle Union National Youth Class B championship title.

The youngster won four of the seven rounds, including the final round at Reeth, near Richmond, last season which saw her clinch the title.

“I fell off at the first section,” said Whitham. “That just made me work harder. I won the trial, and the title by just three championship points”.

Danielle is a member of the school football team and is involved in athletics, badminton and cycling.

She added: “I may ride some of the boy’s national championship events next season and also, if possible, some of the European trials on the continenent.”