The 16-year-old running starlet was one of 40 young stars hand-picked to attend On Camp With Kelly – a 10-day educational camp at Loughborough University with Dame Kelly Holmes.

Related articles:
- Star Laura catches Kelly's eye
- Dame Kelly calling

And the Morpeth Harrier dazzled the double Olympic gold-medallist by winning her middle distance race to land the 1000m champion gong.

Laura, a student at the Duchess's High School, Alnwick, sealed the win in a time of 2.57.85, seeing off competition from Birmingham's Jordan Kinney, 17, and Bedford's Suzi Boast, 18.

And in an extra show of Laura's talent, the Hipsburn running prodigy beat athletes who have been members of the camp for at least a year, while runner-up Kinney has been touted as a star of the future.

Delighted Laura said: "It is amazing to be on the camp. Having worked so hard it's a great reward and I have learnt so much.

"It is my first time here but I've found it really easy to make friends with everyone because we're spending the whole day together training and talking.

"Everyone looks out for you and everyone is given lots of help and Kelly speaks to everyone individually and gives you little pointers."


The teenager has also admitted that, despite her impressive showing at the camp, she was left star-struck after taking tips from Dame Kelly.

"I wasn't nervous when I first met Kelly but sometimes when she talks I can be a bit awe-struck" said Laura.

She was also instructed on topics such as injury prevention, hydration, nutrition, medical issues and anti-doping by current and former Team GB stars such as Becky Lyne and Anthony Whiteman.

Laura added: "With Kelly winning two gold medals at the Olympics she is a big inspiration to everyone and speaking to her you see why."

Dame Kelly masterminded the Norwich Union-funded scheme in 2004, with her initial crop including the likes of 800m 2007 British No.5 Laura Finucane, who is hoping to qualify for the Beijing Olympics in August.

And the two-time Commonwealth champion is champing at the bit to help Laura and the rest of the class of 2008 to similar success.

"I know all the older girls and I know about their performances, I know them as people and I have a good chemistry," said Dame Kelly.

"I'm now starting to get to know a new set of people and they are different individuals.

"They are just as keen and are taking everything on board and I hope they are learning a lot. I'm sure by the end of the camp I will know them very well.

"I always give the girls one-on-one time and that is crucial as athletes are individuals and all have different needs, requests, worries and therefore all want different advice so it is crucial I give them that."