A TEENAGE fencer is preparing to represent her country on the big stage next week – while still studying for her A-levels. Jennie Tillott, 17, is gearing up to represent Wales – her grandmother is Welsh – in the prestigious UK School Games. Jennie, from

A TEENAGE fencer is preparing to represent her country on the big stage next week - while still studying for her A-levels.

Jennie Tillott, 17, is gearing up to represent Wales - her grandmother is Welsh - in the prestigious UK School Games.

Jennie, from Ramsey St Mary's, took up fencing aged 10, when she started the sport as part of the modern pentathlon, where she competed in many national finals.

Her father, Robert Tillott, told The Hunts Post that the modern pentathlon was a "natural progression" from taking part in the Pony Club Tetrathlon, which included running, swimming, shooting and riding.

He added: "I'm very pleased with her achievement. To get to international level is fantastic. Whether she'll make it to the Olympics, I don't know, but she's hoping to get to the Junior Commonwealth Championships in 2009."

The UK School Games is a multi-sport event for the most talented young people of school age in the country. The event runs from August 23 to 26.

Athletes in 2007 will be competing in athletics, badminton, fencing, gymnastics, judo, swimming, table tennis and volleyball.

In fencing, there will be one day of practice and two competition days against the other home nations - England, Scotland and Ireland.

Each of the eight sports will be combined into a four-day games environment designed to replicate the feel of major event such as the Olympic Games and Paralympic Games.

Jennie has already shown her potential when she came second in the U18 Women's sabre competition at the British Youth Championships earlier this year.

She also came third as part of the Welsh senior fencing team at the five nations championships in Dublin in March.

Jennie will be in good company in the Welsh team - she will be fencing alongside Bath girl Jessica Davies, the British U17 champion.

Team manager for the Wales fencing team Neale Thomas said: " Jennie earned her selection for the team based on her ranking performances over the last 12 months.

" It will be a massive event for her."

INFORMATION: For more on the UK School Games visit www.ukschoolgames.com