A 14-year-old Halesowen girl will be chasing in the footsteps of Britain's top athletes when she competes at a major sports event for schoolchildren.

Gabriella Homer will be in an event that has launched the careers of some of Britain's biggest sporting stars when she represents England West Midlands in cycling at the Sainsbury's 2015 School Games in Manchester from September 3 to 6.

A total of 1,600 athletes will compete in 12 sports, including disciplines for disabled youngsters.

Previous contenders at the event have included Paralympic champions Hannah Cockroft, Ellie Simmonds and Jonnie Peacock, world-record breaking swimmer Adam Peaty, heptathlete Katarina Johnson-Thompson, high jumper Morgan Lake and sprinter Adam Gemili.

Gabriella, a student at Hagley RC High School, will experience the excitement of competing at the highest level for her age, live in the "Athletes' Village" and attend show-stopping opening and closing ceremonies.

She will perform in front of a crowd of thousands at world class sports facilities in Manchester.

Gabriella said: I am really pleased to be selected for the Sainsbury's School Games as the selection process was tough, with numerous riders wanting a place.

"It is a very prestigious event and it was one of my main goals to represent the West Midlands in Manchester this year.”