28410/2A delighted teen has potted second prize in a national pool competition.

Cassie Powell, 13, from Bradford on Avon, showed her skill in the national under 14s championship in Manchester, organised by the National Assembly for Young People.

She was up against young sters from across the country and said the experience had been excellent.

She said: "I entered the competition in Devizes because I thought it would be a laugh and to support my friends who were taking part.

"To get through to first the regional and then the national finals was amazing. I was really nervous before the final but it was great fun and I would

definitely do it again."

She learned to play pool in Bradford on Avon's youth centre.

She got through to the finals after victories at local and regional finals in Devizes and Gloucester.

She stayed in a youth hostel in Manchester where she got to know contenders from all over the country.

She said: "It was the first time I had stayed in a youth hostel and my first real trip to a big city. It was really exciting."

Wiltshire County Council youth development officer Michelle Meacham said: "This is great for Cassie, for the youth centre and for the other young people who attend.

"We are all very proud of her."