WORCESTER'S Jenny Nesbitt secured a maiden victory in the British Athletics Cross Challenge by finishing first woman in Milton Keynes.

The Worcester Athletic Club star, who only turned 20 last month, will head with confidence into the final event on Saturday, March 7, which is closer to home at Cofton Park, Birmingham.

Nesbitt, racing in her first senior cross-country event, claimed victory 18 seconds ahead of second-placed Louise Small on the Teardrop Lakes course, which was used for the first time.

The Worcestershire competitor clocked 21 minutes 10 seconds over 5,800 metres at the event held in conjunction with the Apex Sports Chiltern League.

Nesbitt, who attended the Royal Grammar School, Worcester, said: "I genuinely can't believe it. I'm absolutely over the moon. I was hoping for a top-10 position."

The former England junior international beat third-placed marathon world-record holder Paula Radcliffe to win the Worcester City 10-kilometre race last year.