CHEPSTOW School pupil Melissa Roberts is the new under-17 Welsh 300m champion.

The 15-year-old, who runs for the Cardiff Athletic Club, won the title at the Welsh championships in the capital.

Her time of 41.86 was almost a full second ahead second placed Zoe Nash of Bridgend who recorded 42.71.

Melissa won her heat with almost three seconds to spare coming home in 43.76 seconds, 2.89 seconds ahead of her nearest rival.

Melissa said she was delighted to be Welsh champion and now faces a crucial summer of competition.

She said: "I was the favourite and I knew I had the ability but I was surprised by how much I won. I was expecting it to be closer."

"This year I have to decide whether running could be a career or just a hobby."

Melissa is aiming to compete in a number of top competitions this year including the English championships, which are the UK championships in all but name.

Next year Melissa will move up to 400m.