Former Olympic swimmer Sharron Davies hopes her daughter’s athletic career has “great length” after she was awarded the Minna Gillham Award by Bradford on Avon Town Council last week.

The award was initiated in recognition of the late town councillor’s interest in sport for young people and was won by Grace Davies-Redmond, whose father is former relay champion Derek Redmond.

Grace, 15, of Bradford on Avon, switched her focus from netball to track and field at the end of last year. Her achievements include winning the South West Schools’ heptathlon title and taking silver in the England Athletics Combined Events Championships. Ms Davies said: “She has had a really good year. It is very exciting to see what she might do next year. She is obviously very lucky she has got people around her all the time that have been through it.

“I would like her career to have great length and for her to enjoy every moment.”

The St Laurence pupil said: “My next door neighbour told me about the award. I am training very hard at the moment so it is nice to be recognised and rewarded. It was nice to meet the mayor.”

The Team Bath athlete trains six times a week at Bath University on top of school work.

She said: “Netball gave me a good basis as you have to be fit and quick but I didn’t really enjoy it. There is no point doing something if you don’t enjoy it.

“This year I want to carry on getting experience and gain confidence. I will continue with heptathlon and hurdles but when I’m in the under 20s I will pick one or the other.”

Mayor John Potter said: “She looks like a future star and one to watch; another Bradford on Avon success.

“I was so impressed with her achievements. When I was reading them out they went on and on. The award is to encourage young people to be proud of their achievements and she fits the bill.”