SPORTING South Zeal twins Laura and Sarah Gomersall have just returned from the Modern Pentathlon European Championships in Morocco.

The event they were covering was the Youth B U17 triathlon — shooting, swimming and running.

At 15, and a year younger than most competitors, Laura was representing Great Britain for the first time.

She came 15th over-all and Sarah was travelling reserve. Individually, Laura finished the run in the third quickest time — a personal best. All this in temperatures of 32 degrees.

The three-strong Great Britain girls' team finished in sixth position against competition dominated by Easter European competitors.

Sarah had the frustration of only being able to watch as none of the Great Britain team players dropped out of any of the competitions.

The twins are now in training for the British National Pentathlon Championships in East Grinstead on August 31 and September 1.

Laura and Sarah are aiming for selection for Great Britain in their first full pentathlon to be held in France in October. This will involve shooting, swimming, running, fencing and riding.

Their father, Chris Gomersall, said the girls are at Millfield for a week of fencing training with the Great Britain fencing coaches.

He said both Laura and Sarah were aiming their sights on the Olympic Games at Peking in 2008.

'Now at Okehampton College, they are hoping to complete their education at Bath University where the centre of excellence for modern pentathlon is,' he said.

The girls have had some local sponsorship to assist them with their equipment and training requirements — but would be grateful for any further help. If anyone is interested please contact 01837 840633.