MALVERN teenager Emma Witherford has qualified to represent Great Britain at the ICF World Freestyle Championships later this year.

Witherford, who is studying for A-levels at The Chase High School Sixth Form in Malvern, secured her spot by finishing joint first at the selection meeting in the junior women category.

She competed in two events, taking first at Hurley in Berkshire, before finishing second at the Lee Valley Olympic course 24 hours later.

Witherford will now represent GB in Ottawa, Canada, from August 30 until September 5 but will head to Uganda this month to train on the River Nile.

She continues to go from strength to strength having competed in the Hurley Classic in November as well as travelling to either Hurley or Lee Valley most weekends to train in all weathers.

As well as doing water-based training, including pool sessions with Wychavon Kayak and Canoe Club, Witherford attends the gym before and after college and also plays hockey for Colwall and Malvern.

She is sponsored by cyber defence company 3SDL, who have supplied her with a new boat and kit, while Hills Ford assist with transport to major events.

Anyone interested in sponsoring her for future events can send an e-mail to the.witherfords@gmail.com The teenager will also be hosting a fundraising evening at the Vasai Indian restaurant in Worcester Road, Malvern, on Tuesday, April 21.

The event, which starts at 7.30pm and costs £20, will feature a talk by Witherford about her time in the sport, a raffle and entertainment.