FENCING: Sporty Francesca Pioli has become Winterfold House School's first national champion after foiling the attempts of opponents.

Pioli, nine, won 11 contests to take the British U-10 foil fencing contest in Much Wenlock.

The Chaddesley Corbett youngster is coached at the village school by Nick Chapman.

Her mum Mandy said: "Francesca was fifth last year and still has another year to go at this age group.

"The main thing is she enjoys it."

A school spokeswoman said: "We have had regional champions before but never the best in the country."