More medals for Nicola and Tom

The Beaumont School pupil struck silver at the English Schools Championships last weekend and was back on the podium as the country's finest intermediate athletes took on Wales, Scotland and Ireland.

And after succeeding in the shot putt last time out, Dudman was able to show her versatility by switching to the hammer and still securing a second silver medal in as many weeks.

There was also third spot for St Albans School's Tom Bedford, who showed he has fully recovered from his injury problems with third place in the 1,500m steeplechase.

English Schools champion high jumper Mark Crowley, of St Columba's College, was unable to make an impact, but in his absence, Dudman thrust St Albans athletics back into the spotlight.

She and eventual winner Ackers of Ireland were some way out in front of the field at Stanley Park in Blackpool.

Dudman continually peppered the 45m mark throughout the competition and had the satisfaction of surpassing the previous meeting record in the process.

Unfortunately, she was up against a class act in Ackers and the Irish girl eventually took the title with a throw of 48.61, with Dudman second with distance of 46.29.

The fact that third-placed Walters of Scotland was more than five metres adrift of the top two, showed just how strong Dudman's standing in the intermediate age group now is.

The same can also be said of Bedford who, under the watchful eye of his father David and his St Albans School coach George Harrison, came home third in a quality 1,500m steeplechase field.

His time of 4mins 24.92, was just over four seconds behind the race winner, Harty of Ireland, and just two seconds behind rival Daniel Lewis, who had beaten him to the English Schools crown seven days earlier.

But Bedford, whose training has been severely hampered by a knee injury, still managed to slice three seconds off his time last weekend and more importantly, took a further second off his personal best.